a

USER’S MANUALDocument Number: DA00057005Release Date: 18 April 2005

For customers in the U.S.A.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device,pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protectionagainst harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. Thisequipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and usedin accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communica-tions. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference inwhich case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.

You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual couldvoid your authority to operate this equipment.

The shielded interface cable recommended in this manual must be used with this equipment inorder to comply with the limits for a computing device pursuant to Subpart J of Part 15 of FCCRules.

For customers in CanadaThis apparatus complies with the Class A limits for radio noise emissions set out in Radio Inter-ference Regulations.

Pour utilisateurs au CanadaCet appareil est conforme aux normes Classe A pour bruits radioélectriques, spécifiées dans leRèglement sur le brouillage radioélectrique.

Life Support ApplicationsThese products are not designed for use in life support appliances, devices, or systems wheremalfunction of these products can reasonably be expected to result in personal injury. Basler cus-tomers using or selling these products for use in such applications do so at their own risk andagree to fully indemnify Basler for any damages resulting from such improper use or sale.

Warranty NoteDo not open the housing of the camera. The warranty becomes void if the housing is opened.

All material in this publication is subject to change without notice and is copyright BaslerVision Technologies.

Contacting Basler Support Worldwide

Europe:

Basler AGAnder Strusbek 60 - 6222926 AhrensburgGermany

Tel.: +49-4102-463-500Fax.: +49-4102-463-599

[email protected]

Americas:

Basler, Inc.740 Springdale Drive, Suite 100Exton, PA 19341U.S.A.

Tel.: +1-877-934-8472Fax.: +1-877-934-7608

[email protected]

Asia:

Basler Asia PTe. Ltd25 Internat. Business Park#04-15/17 German CentreSingapore 609916

Tel.: +65-6425-0472Fax.: +65-6425-0473

[email protected]

www.basler-vc.com

ContentsDRAFT
Table of Contents
1 Introduction1.1 Camera Versions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11.2 Performance Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21.3 Digital Responsivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-41.4 Environmental Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-61.5 Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7

2 Camera Interface2.1 Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

2.1.1 General Description. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12.1.2 Pin Assignment for the MDR 26 Camera Link Connector(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-32.1.3 Pin Assignment for the Power Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-62.1.4 Pin Assignment for the Flash Trigger Receptacle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-62.1.5 Pin Assignment for the VGA Monitor Output (A504k/kc Only) . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8

2.2 Cable Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-82.2.1 Camera Link Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-82.2.2 Power Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8

2.3 Camera Link Implementation in the A500k . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-92.4 Input Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12

2.4.1 ExSync: Controls Frame Readout and Exposure Time. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-122.4.2 ExFlash from the Frame Grabber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12

2.5 Output Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-132.5.1 Pixel Clock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-132.5.2 Line Valid Bit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-132.5.3 Frame Valid Bit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-132.5.4 Video Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-132.5.5 Video Data Output for the A504k/kc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-162.5.6 Video Data Output for the A501k/kc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-192.5.7 Flash Trigger Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-222.5.8 VGA Monitor Output (A504k/kc) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-23

2.6 RS-644 Serial Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-242.6.1 Making the Serial Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-24

2.7 Converting Camera Link Output to RS-644 with a k-BIC (A501k/kc only) . . . . . . 2-242.8 DC Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-252.9 Power Control: Full Function and Standby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-252.10 Status LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-25

3 Basic Operation and Features3.1 Functional Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13.2 Exposure Time Control Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4

3.2.1 ExSync Controlled Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-43.2.2 Free Run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5

BASLER A500k I

Contents DRAFT
3.3 Exposure Time Control Modes in Detail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
3.3.1 ExSync, Edge-controlled Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-93.3.1.1 ExSync, Edge-controlled Mode with Asynchronous Timing . . . . . . 3-93.3.1.2 ExSync, Edge-controlled Mode with Synchronous Timing 1 . . . . . 3-103.3.1.3 ExSync, Edge-controlled Mode with Synchronous Timing 2 . . . . . 3-11

3.3.2 ExSync, Level-controlled Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-123.3.2.1 ExSync, Level-controlled Mode with Asynchronous Timing . . . . . 3-123.3.2.2 ExSync, Level-controlled Mode with

Synchronous/Asynchronous Timing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-133.3.2.3 ExSync, Level-controlled Mode with Synchronous Timing 1 . . . . . 3-143.3.2.4 ExSync, Level-controlled Mode with Synchronous Timing 2 . . . . . 3-15

3.3.3 ExSync, Programmable Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-163.3.3.1 ExSync, Programmable Mode with Asynchronous Timing . . . . . . 3-173.3.3.2 ExSync, Programmable Mode

with Synchronous/Asynchronous Timing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-183.3.3.3 ExSync, Programmable Mode with Synchronous Timing 1 . . . . . 3-193.3.3.4 ExSync, Programmable Mode with Synchronous Timing 2 . . . . . 3-20

3.3.4 Free-run Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-213.3.4.1 Free-run Mode with Asynchronous Timing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-213.3.4.2 Free-run Mode with Synchronous / Asynchronous Timing . . . . . . 3-223.3.4.3 Free-run Mode with Synchronous Timing 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-233.3.4.4 Free-run Mode with Synchronous Timing 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-24

3.3.5 Free-run VGA Mode (A504k/kc Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-253.4 Long Exposure Compensation (A504k/kc Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-263.5 Max Exposure Time at Max Speed (A504k/kc Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-273.6 Color Creation in the A504kc and A501kc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-283.7 Gain and Offset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-29

3.7.1 Gain Settings in More Detail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-303.7.2 Offset Settings in More Detail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-30

3.8 Digital Shift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-313.8.1 How Digital Shift Works. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-313.8.2 Precautions When Using Digital Shift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-33

3.9 Area of Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-343.9.1 Changes to the Maximum Frame Rate with Area of Interest. . . . . . . . . . . . 3-353.9.2 Dynamic Area of Interest (A504k/kc Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-363.9.3 Area of Interest Stamp (A504k/kc Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-363.9.4 Area of Interest with the VGA Monitor Output (A504k/kc only) . . . . . . . . . . 3-37

3.10 Test Images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-383.10.1 Gray Scale Test Image . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-393.10.2 Color Test Image (A504kc and A501kc Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-393.10.3 Running Line Test Image . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-403.10.4 White Screen Test Image . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-40

3.11 Configuration Sets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-413.12 Camera Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-42

II BASLER A500k

ContentsDRAFT
4 Configuring the Camera
4.1 Configuring the Camera with the Camera Configuration Tool Plus (CCT+) . . . . . . 4-24.1.1 Opening the Configuration Tool. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-24.1.2 Closing the Configuration Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-24.1.3 Configuration Tool Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-34.1.4 Configuration Tool Help. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4

4.2 Configuring the Camera with Binary Programming Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-54.2.1 Command Frame and Response Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-64.2.2 Error Checking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7

4.2.2.1 ACK/NAK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-74.2.2.2 Time-outs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-74.2.2.3 Read Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-74.2.2.4 Write Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8

4.2.3 Example Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-94.2.3.1 Read command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-94.2.3.2 Write Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-94.2.3.3 Calculating the Block Check Character . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10

4.2.4 Commands for Setting Camera Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-114.2.4.1 Exposure Time Control Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-114.2.4.2 Timer 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-124.2.4.3 Timer 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-124.2.4.4 Long Exposure Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-134.2.4.5 Gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-144.2.4.6 Negative Offset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-144.2.4.7 Positive Offset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-154.2.4.8 Digital Shift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-164.2.4.9 Area of Interest Starting Column . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-174.2.4.10 Area of Interest Width in Columns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-174.2.4.11 Area of Interest Starting Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-184.2.4.12 Area of Interest Height in Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-184.2.4.13 Area of Interest Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-194.2.4.14 FlashCtrl: Flash Trigger Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-20

4.2.5 Test Image Command. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-214.2.6 Query Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-22

4.2.6.1 Read Vendor Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-224.2.6.2 Read Model Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-224.2.6.3 Read Product ID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-224.2.6.4 Read Serial Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-234.2.6.5 Read Camera Version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-234.2.6.6 Read EEPROM Firmware Version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-234.2.6.7 Read Microcontroller Firmware Version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-244.2.6.8 Read FPGA Firmware Version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-244.2.6.9 Read Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-24

BASLER A500k III

Contents DRAFT
4.2.7 Commands for Manipulating Configuration Sets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-25
4.2.7.1 Copy the Factory Set or the User set into the Work Set (Profile load) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-25

4.2.7.2 Copy the Work Set into a User Set (Profile save) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-264.2.7.3 Select the Startup Pointer (Profile startup) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-27

4.2.8 Camera Status Command. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-284.2.9 Bitrate Command. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-294.2.10 Camera Reset Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-304.2.11 Power Control Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-30

5 Mechanical Considerations5.1 Camera Dimensions and Mounting Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15.2 F-Mount Adapter Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-35.3 Positioning Accuracy of the Sensor Chip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4

6 Troubleshooting6.1 LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-16.2 Troubleshooting Charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2

6.2.1 No Image. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-26.2.2 Poor Quality Image . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-46.2.3 Interfacing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-56.2.4 RS-644 Serial Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6

Revision History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i

Feedback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v

IV BASLER A500k

IntroductionPRELIMINARY

1 Introduction

BASLER A500k area scan cameras are high speed CMOS cameras designed for industrial use.Good CMOS image sensing features are combined with a robust, high precision manufacturedhousing.

Important features are:

• CMOS APS (Active Pixel Sensor) technology• High speed• Electronic full frame shutter (True SNAPTM freeze-frame) • Anti-blooming• Electronic exposure time control• Partial scan• Programmable via an RS-644 serial port• Industrial housing manufactured with high planar, parallel and angular precision• VGA monitor output (A504k/kc only)• Flash trigger output

1.1 Camera VersionsA500k series area scan cameras are available in different versions; the version depends on themaximum frame rate and on color or monochrome.

Throughout the manual, the camera will be called the A500k. Passages that are only valid for aspecific version will be so indicated.

Camera Version Max. Frame Rate Monochrome / Color

A504k 500 fps monochrome

A504kc 500 fps color

A501k 74 fps monochrome

A501kc 74 fps color

Table 1-1: Versions of the A500k Series Camera

Basler A500k 1-1

Introduction PRELIMINARY
1.2 Performance Specifications
The image sensor characteristics were measured at 25°C.

Specifications A504k A504kc A501k A501kc

Sensor 1280H x 1024V pixel CMOS (1,310,720 pixels)Micron MV13 progressive scan

mono-chrome

color pattern (see section 3.6)

mono-chrome

color pattern (see section 3.6)

Pixel Size 12 µm x 12 µm (12 µm pixel pitch)

Fill Factor without micro lens 40%

Sensor Imaging Area H: 15.36 mm, V: 12.29 mm, Diagonal: 19.67 mm

Digital Responsivity See section 1.3 and Fig-ure 1-1.

See section 1.3 and Fig-ure 1-2.



Shutter Electronic full frame shutter: True SNAPTM (Shuttered-Node Active Pixel)

Shutter Efficiency 99.9% (typical)

Shutter Exposure Time 10 µsec to greater than 33 msec

PRNU (Photo Response Non-uniformity) high spatial frequency: < 0.6 % rms (typical)low spatial frequency: < 10 % p-p (typical)

DSNU (Dark Signal Non-uniformity) high spatial frequency: < 0.4 % rms (typical)low spatial frequency: < 1.5 % p-p (typical)

Vdrk (output referred dark signal) 75 LSB/sec with digital shift = 0 (typical)150 LSB/sec with digital shift = 1 (typical) 300 LSB/sec with digital shift = 2 (typical)600 LSB/sec with digital shift = 3 (typical)

Kdrk (Dark current temperature coeffi-cient)

+100% at + ∆ 8°C

Pixel Clock Speed 67.58 MHz 50 MHz

Frame Rate Max. 500 fps @ 1280 x 1024 Max. 74 fps @1280 x 1024

Output Data Rate 625 MBytes/sec. 95 MBytes/sec.

Pixel Depth 8 Bit out of 10

Video Output Type Channel Link® LVDS, 10 x 8 Data Bits

Channel Link® LVDS, 2 x 8 Data Bits

Video Output Format 10 taps 8 Bit eachCamera Link® Full Configura-tion (Basler-specific bit as-signment)

2 taps 8 Bit each;Camera Link® Base Configu-ration

Synchronization Via external ExSync signal or free-run

Exposure Time Control Edge-controlled, Level-controlled, or Programmable

Table 1-2: A500k Performance Specifications

1-2 Basler A500k


Gain and Offset Programmable via the framegrabber via a serial link

Connectors All versions: 26 pin, 0.5“, mini D ribbon (MDR) plug (data)one 6 pin, Hirose HR (power)one 4 pin, Hirose HR (flash control)

A504k/kc: second 26 pin, 0.5“, mini D ribbon (MDR) plug (data)one 15 pin, high density sub female (VGA moni-tor output)

VGA monitor output 640 x 480 pixels at 60 Hz -

Power Requirements 12 VDC ± 10%; max 6 W 12 VDC ± 10%; max 3 W

Housing Size (L x W x H)including connectors

without lens adapter: 43 x 90 x 90 mmwith F-mount adapter: 87 x 90 x 90 mm

Lens Adapters F-mount

Weightwithout lens adapter:with F-mount adapter:

~ 510 g ~ 600 g

~ 520 g~ 610 g

Vibration tested according to DIN IEC 60068-2-63 axes, x,y,z5-8.5 Hz / 1.5mm8.5-150 Hz/ 10m/s²

Shock tested according to DIN IEC 60068-2-273 axes, x,y,z100m/s², 11ms, 3 shocks positive100m/s², 11ms, 3 shocks negative

Bump tested according to DIN IEC 60068-2-29100m/s², 11ms, 100 shocks positive100m/s², 11ms, 100 shocks negative

Conformity CE, FCC

Specifications A504k A504kc A501k A501kc

Table 1-2: A500k Performance Specifications

Basler A500k 1-3

1.3 Digital Responsivity
The specified digital responsivity is obtained if the gain is set to 98. The values are valid for themonochrome chip. In addition, the output depends on the register setting for the digital shift. Thevalues given are typical values which can vary between different cameras:

For digital shift = 0: 400 DN/lx s @ 550nm




LSB = least significant bit

See section 3.7.1 for the formula.

Example:

If the gain is set to 98, if digital shift is set to 0, and the quantity of light of 1 lux-sec has hit thesensor, a gray value of 400 is output.

The quantum efficiency of the monochrome sensor is shown in Figure 1-1, and the quantumefficiency of the color sensor in Figure 1-2. The quantum efficiency of the color sensor is slightlylower than the quantum efficiency of the monochrome sensor. This is due to the color filter.

Figure 1-1: Spectral Response for Monochrome A500k Cameras

)

1-4 Basler A500k


Figure 1-2: Quantum efficiency for Color A500kc Cameras

Color filter arrays become transparent after 700 nm. To maintain spectral balance,use of a suitable IR cut-off filter is recommended. The filter should transmit in a rangeof 400 nm to 700 nm. A suitable filter type is the B+W486, for example.

Basler A500k 1-5

1.4 Environmental Requirements
Temperature and Humidity

Housing temperature during operation: 0° C ... + 50° C (+ 32° F ... + 122° F)

Humidity during operation: 20% ... 80%, relative, non-condensing

Ventilation

Allow sufficient air circulation around the camera to prevent internal heat build-up in your systemand to keep the camera housing temperature during operation below the maximum shown above.Provide additional cooling such as fans or heat sinks if necessary.

You can measure the inner temperature via the temperature register. The maximumrecommended inner temperature is 60° C (140° F).

Note that the camera components’ life time and the image quality are higher thelower the temperature of the camera.

1-6 Basler A500k

1.5 Precautions
Power

Read the manual

Read the manual carefully before using the camera.

Keep foreign matter outside of the camera

Do not open the housing. Touching internal components may damage them.

Be careful not to allow liquids, dust, sand, flammable, or metallic material inside the camerahousing. If operated with any foreign matter inside, the camera may fail or cause a fire.

Electromagnetic Fields

Do not operate the camera in the vicinity of strong electromagnetic fields. Avoid electrostaticcharging.

Transporting

Only transport the camera in its original packaging. Do not discard the packaging.

Cleaning

Avoid cleaning the surface of the CMOS sensor if possible. If you must clean it, use a soft, lint freecloth dampened with a small quantity of pure alcohol. Do not use methylated alcohol.Because electrostatic discharge can damage the CMOS sensor, you must use a cloth that will notgenerate static during cleaning (cotton is a good choice).

To clean the surface of the camera housing, use a soft, dry cloth. To remove severe stains, usea soft cloth dampened with a small quantity of neutral detergent, then wipe dry.

Do not use volatile solvents such as benzine and thinners; they can damage the surface finish.

Caution!

Making or breaking connections when power is on can result in damage to thecamera.

Be sure that all power to your system is switched off before you make or breakconnections to the camera.

If you can not switch off power, be sure that the power supply connector is thelast connector plugged when you make connections to the camera, and thefirst connector unplugged when you break connections.

Basler A500k 1-7


1-8 Basler A500k

Camera InterfacePRELIMINARY

2 Camera Interface

2.1 Connections

2.1.1 General DescriptionA500k area scan cameras are interfaced to external circuitry via

• a 26 pin, 0.5“ Mini D Ribbon (MDR) connector to transmit configuration, trigger and imagedata via Camera Link,

• a microminiature push-pull lock type receptacle to provide power (12V) to the camera,• a microminiature push-pull lock type receptacle to provide a TTL signal for an external flash.

A504k/kc area scan cameras have two additional connectors:

• a 15 pin HDSub receptacle for the VGA monitor output• a second 26 pin, 0.5“ Mini D Ribbon (MDR) connector to transmit further image data via

Camera Link.The connectors are located on the back of the camera. Figure 2-1 shows the plugs and the statusLED which indicates signal integrity and power OK.

Basler A500k 2-1

Camera Interface PRELIMINARY

Figure 2-1: A500k Connectors and LED

The camera housing is not grounded and is electrically isolated from the circuitboards inside of the camera.

Note that the connectors at the camera are described, NOT the connectors requiredat the connecting cables.

status LED

Flash

Power 12 VDC

VGA monitor output

Camera Link 1

Camera Link 2(A504k/kc only)

(A504k/kc only)

2-2 Basler A500k


Figure 2-2: A500k Pin Numbering

2.1.2 Pin Assignment for the MDR 26 Camera Link Connector(s)The pin assignment for the MDR 26 pin connector used to interface video data, control signals,and configuration data is given in Table 2-1. Table 2-2 provides the pin assignment for the secondMDR 26 pin connector which is only available with the A504k/kc.

Camera Link Connector 1:

PinNumber

SignalName Direction Level Function

1, 13, 14, 261

Gnd Input Ground Ground for the inner shield of the cable

2 X0- Output Channel LinkLVDS

Data from Channel Link Transmitter

15 X0+



16 X1+



17 X2+



19 X3+

5 XClk- Output Channel LinkLVDS

Transmit Clock from Channel Link Transmitter

18 XClk+

7 SerTC+ Input RS-644 RS-644 Serial Communication Data Receive, Channel RxD input

20 SerTC-

Table 2-1: A500k Pin Assignments for the (first) MDR 26 Pin Connector

4 1

23

123 4

56

15610

1115

113

1426

113

1426

Basler A500k 2-3


8 SerTFG- Output RS-644 RS-644 Serial Communication Data Transmit, Channel TxD output

21 SerTFG+

9 CC1- Input RS-644LVDS

ExSync: External Trigger

22 CC1+

10 CC2+ Input RS-644LVDS

ExClk. The input is not supported.

23 CC2-

11 CC3- Input RS-644LVDS

ExFlash: External Flash Trigger

24 CC3+

12 CC4+ Input RS-644LVDS

Not used

25 CC4-

1 Pins 1, 13, 14, and 26 are all tied together to GND inside of the camera.

PinNumber


Table 2-1: A500k Pin Assignments for the (first) MDR 26 Pin Connector

2-4 Basler A500k

Camera Link Connector 2 (A504k/kc only):
PinNumber


1, 13, 14, 261

Gnd Input Ground Ground for the inner shield of the cable

2 Y0- Output Channel LinkLVDS


15 Y0+



16 Y1+



17 Y2+



19 Y3+

5 YClk- Output Channel LinkLVDS


18 YClk+

7 T+ Connected to T- with 100R; not used

20 T- Connected to T+ with 100R; not used

8 Z0- Output Channel LinkLVDS


21 Z0+



22 Z1+



23 Z2+



25 Z3+

11 ZClk- Output Channel LinkLVDS


24 ZClk+

1 Pins 1, 13, 14, and 26 are all tied together to GND inside of the camera.

Table 2-2: A504k/kc Pin Assignments for the Second MDR 26 Pin Connector

Basler A500k 2-5

2.1.3 Pin Assignment for the Power ConnectorThe power input connector type is a microminiature push-pull lock type connector, the HiroseHR 10A-7R-6PB. The power supply should deliver 12V at a minimum of 500 mA (A504k/kc) or250 mA (A501k/kc) with a voltage accuracy of ±10%. The pin assignment of the plug is given inTable 2-3.
You can use the Hirose HR 10A-7P-6S connector for your cable.

2.1.4 Pin Assignment for the Flash Trigger ReceptacleThe Flash trigger output connector type is a microminiature push-pull lock type connector, theHirose HR 10A-7R-4S. The receptacle provides a TTL signal for an external flash. This signal canbe programmed via the FlashCtrl register. It can be deactivated, tied to an “effective exposure“signal generated internally, tied to the external ExFlash input, and it can be permanently on.

The output signal can selected to be to TTL Active High (default setting), Low Side Switch (OpenCollector), or High Side Switch via the Flash Trigger Modes register (see section 4.2.4.14).

The pin assignment is given in Table 2-4. Figure 2-4 shows the three variants of output schematicsof the flash trigger connector.

You can use the Hirose HR 10A-7P-4P connector for your cable.

The FlashOut signal is short-circuit proof. The signal is electrically isolated from other signals inthe camera. See the timing diagram in Figure 2-3 and the flash trigger output schematics in Figure2-4.

PinNumber


1, 2 +12 VDC Input 12 VDC ± 10% DC Power

3, 4 not connected

5, 6 DC GND Input Ground DC ground

Table 2-3:A500k Pin Assignment for the Power Receptacle

PinNumber


2 FlashOut Output TTL signal Flash trigger; the HIGH signal is current limited to 50 mA ±20%.

1, 3 not connected

4 DC GND Output Ground DC ground

Table 2-4:A500k Pin Assignment for the Flash Trigger Receptacle

2-6 Basler A500k


Figure 2-3: FlashOut Signal Timing

Figure 2-4: Flash Trigger Output Schematics

TTL Active High (default)A TTL Active High output signal is typically used together with a TTL / CMOS Logic Device.The TTL Active High output signal has the following characteristics:• High output min. 4.5 V at 10 mA

output load, shortcut current50 mA (+40%/- 20%)

• Low output max. 0.5 V at -10 mAoutput load, shortcut current -50 mA (+40%/- 20%)

Low Side Switch (Open Collector)When you select this output signal variant, the upper transistor is deac-tivated, which is shown by grayed lines in the schematic. The schematic shows a sample cir-cuit for your flash device. Calculate your devices so that the maximum output current is 50 mA.

High Side SwitchWhen you select this output signal variant, the lower transistor is deac-tivated, which is shown by grayed lines in the schematic.The schematic shows a sample cir-cuit for your flash device. Calculate your devices so that the maximum output current is 50 mA.

Basler A500k 2-7

2.1.5 Pin Assignment for the VGA Monitor Output (A504k/kc Only)The 15 pin HDSub receptacle for the VGA monitor output transmits 640*480 pixels at a rate of 60fps. The pin assignment is given in Table 2-1 and Table 2-2.
2.2 Cable Information

2.2.1 Camera Link CableThe Camera Link specification requires the use of a standard MDR cable assembly manufacturedby 3M (part # 14X26-SZLB-XXX-0LC).

The maximum allowed length for the MDR cable used with an A501k/kc is 7 meters. The maximumallowed length for the MDR cable used with an A504k/kc is 5 meters.

A Camera Link compatible MDR cable assembly is available from Basler as a stock item (part #1000013905 for a 3 meter cable and part # 1000013906 for a 5 meter cable). Alternatively, youcan use the cable assembly manufactured by 3M (part # 14X26-SZLB-XXX-0LC). The A501k/kccan also use a base configuration Camera Link cable. See the cable information on the Baslerwebsite www.baslerweb.com.

2.2.2 Power CableA Hirose, 6-pin locking plug will be shipped with each camera. This plug should be used toterminate the cable on the power supply for the camera. For proper EMI protection, the powersupply cable attached to this plug must be a twin-cored, shielded cable. Also, the housing of theHirose plug must be connected to the cable shield and the cable must be connected to earthground at the power supply.

PinNumber

SignalName Direction Function

1 Red Video Output Red Video

2 Green Video Output Green Video

3 Blue Video Output Blue Video

4, 9 not connected

5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11

DC Gnd Output DC Ground

12 not connected SDA is not supported

13 HSync Output HSync, 5 V TTL signal

14 VSync Output VSync, 5 V TTL signal

15 not connected SCL is not supported

Table 2-5: A504k/kc Pin Assignments for the VGA monitor output

The maximum cable length will decrease when used in an area with severe ambientelectromagnetic interference.

2-8 Basler A500k

2.3 Camera Link Implementation in the A500k
The A500k uses a National Semiconductor DS90CR287 as a Camera Link transmitter. For aCamera Link receiver, we recommend that you use the National Semiconductor DS90CR288, theNational Semiconductor DS90CR288A or an equivalent. Detailed data sheets for thesecomponents are available at the National Semiconductor web site (www.national.com). The datasheets contain all of the information that you need to implement Camera Link, includingapplication notes.

The A500k uses a National Semiconductor DS90LV048A differential line receiver to receive theRS-644 camera control input signals and the serial communication input signal defined in theCamera Link specification. A DS90LV047A differential line transmitter is used to transmit theserial communication output signal defined in the specification. Detailed spec sheets for thesedevices are available at the National Semiconductor web site (www.national.com).

The A504k/kc uses the full configuration of Camera Link with three differential line receivers andthree differential line transmitters. The schematic in Figure 2-5 shows the interface for the A504k/kc.

The schematic in Figure 2-6 shows the interface for the A501k/kc and a typical implementation forthe frame grabber interface. The A501k/kc uses one differential line receiver and one differentialline transmitter.

Note that the timing used for sampling the data at the Camera Link receiver in theframe grabber varies from device to device. On some receivers, TTL data must besampled on the rising edge of the receive clock, and on others, it must be sampledon the falling edge. Also, some devices are available which allow you to select eitherrising edge or falling edge sampling. Please consult the data sheet for the receiverthat you are using for specific timing information.

Basler A500k 2-9


Figure 2-5: A504k/kc Camera / Frame Grabber Interface

2-10 Basler A500k


Figure 2-6: A501k/kc Camera / Frame Grabber Interface

A 5 0 1 k

2 4

1 1

1 2

2 5

1 0

2 3

2 2

9

R e s e r v e d

E x S y n c

S e r T C +

S e r T C -

S e r T F G +

S e r T F G -

7

2 0

2 1

8

S e r T C

S e r T F G

1

1 3

1 4

2 6G n d

2 4

1 1

1 2

2 5

1 0

2 3

2 2

9

7

2 0

2 1

8

1

1 3

1 4

2 6

F r a m e G r a b b e r

C C 3 +

C C 3 -

C C 4 +

C C 4 -

C C 2 +

C C 2 -

C C 1 +

C C 1 -

3

1 6

1 5

2

1 7

4

5

1 8

F l a s h T r i g g e r

R e s e r v e d

R e s e r v e d

E x S y n c

S e r T C +

S e r T C -

S e r T F G +

S e r T F G -

2 0

7

6

1 9

S e r T C

S e r T F G

1

1 3

1 4

2 6G n d

3

1 6

1 5

2

1 7

4

5

1 8

2 0

7

6

1 9

1

1 3

1 4

2 6

P a i r 4 +

P a i r 4 -

P a i r 1 0 +

P a i r 1 0 -

P a i r 1 1 +

P a i r 1 1 -

P a i r 9 +

P a i r 9 -

P a i r 8 +

P a i r 8 -

P a i r 6 +

P a i r 6 -

P a i r 7 +

P a i r 7 -

I n n e r S h i e l d




R 1

C 1

N o t e : R 1 s h o u l d b ez e r o o h m . C 1 i s o p t i o n a l .R 1 a n d C 1 c a n b e u s e dt o p r e v e n t g r o u n d l o o p si f n e e d e d .

D S 9 0 L V 0 4 8 A R c v r .

D S 9 0 L V 0 4 7 A T m t r .

D S 9 0 L V 0 4 7 A T m t r .

D S 9 0 L V 0 4 8 A R c v r .

1

2

3

4

5

6

N o t C o n n e c t e d

N o t C o n n e c t e d

1 2 V I n

G n d

E M IF i l t e r

F e r r i t eB e a d

F l a s h T r i g g e rC C 3 +

C C 3 -

C C 2 +

C C 2 -

C C 1 +

C C 1 -

2 6 - p i n F e m a l eM D R C o n n e c t o r

2 6 - p i n M a l eM D R C o n n e c t o r

D S 9 0 C R 2 8 7 - T r a n s m i t t e r X

X c l k +

X c l k -

1 8

5

1 8

5

M D R C a b l eD S 9 0 C R 2 8 8 A - R e c e i v e r X

X c l k +

X c l k -

9

2 2

9

2 2R x C L K O u t

P o r t A 0P o r t A 1P o r t A 2P o r t A 3P o r t A 4P o r t A 6P o r t A 7

P o r t B 0P o r t B 1P o r t B 4P o r t B 5P o r t B 6P o r t B 7P o r t C 2

P o r t C 3P o r t C 4P o r t C 5P o r t C 6

L V A LF V A L

N o t U s e d

N o t U s e dP o r t A 5P o r t B 2P o r t B 3P o r t C 0P o r t C 1P o r t C 7

S t r o b e( P C l k )

T x 0T x 1T x 2T x 3T x 4T x 6T x 7

T x 8T x 9

T x 1 2T x 1 3T x 1 4T x 1 5T x 1 8

T x 1 9T x 2 0T x 2 1T x 2 2T x 2 4T x 2 5T x 2 6

T x 2 7T x 5

T x 1 0T x 1 1T x 1 6T x 1 7T x 2 3

T x C L K I n

1 9

6

1 9

6

X 3 +

X 3 -

X 3 +

X 3 -

8

2 1

8

2 1

P a i r 5 +

P a i r 5 -

1 7

4

1 7

4

X 2 +

X 2 -

X 2 +

X 2 -

1 0

2 3

1 0

2 3

P a i r 3 +

P a i r 3 -

1 6

3

1 6

3

X 1 +

X 1 -

X 1 +

X 1 -

1 1

2 4

1 1

2 4

P a i r 2 +

P a i r 2 -

X 0 +

X 0 -

1 5

2

1 2

2 5

P a i r 1 +

P a i r 1 -

1 5

2

X 0 +

X 0 -

1 2

2 5

P o r t A 0P o r t A 1P o r t A 2P o r t A 3P o r t A 4P o r t A 6P o r t A 7

P o r t B 0P o r t B 1P o r t B 4P o r t B 5P o r t B 6P o r t B 7P o r t C 2

P o r t C 3P o r t C 4P o r t C 5P o r t C 6L V A LF V A LN o t U s e d

N o t U s e dP o r t A 5P o r t B 2P o r t B 3P o r t C 0P o r t C 1P o r t C 7

R x 0R x 1R x 2R x 3R x 4R x 6R x 7

R x 8R x 9

R x 1 2R x 1 3R x 1 4R x 1 5R x 1 8

R x 1 9R x 2 0R x 2 1R x 2 2R x 2 4R x 2 5R x 2 6

R x 2 7R x 5

R x 1 0R x 1 1R x 1 6R x 1 7R x 2 3

S t r o b e( P C l k )

Basler A500k 2-11

2.4 Input Signals
The A500k receives the RS-644 input signals ExSync, ExClk, ExFlash, and RxD of the serialinterface. Section 2.4.1 describes the function of the ExSync signal, Section 2.4.2 describes thefunction of the ExFlash signal. RxD of the serial communication is described in Section 2.6.

2.4.1 ExSync: Controls Frame Readout and Exposure TimeThe ExSync input signal can be used to control exposure and readout of the A500k. ExSync is anLVDS signal as specified for RS-644. The ExSync input corresponds to the camera control signalCC1 as defined in the Camera Link standard. CC2 and CC4 are not used in this camera.

The camera can be programmed to function under the control of an externally generated syncsignal (ExSync) in three exposure time control modes. In these modes, edge-controlled, level-controlled and programmable, the ExSync signal is used to control exposure time and frame readout. For more detailed information on the three modes, see Section 3.2.

ExSync can be a periodic or non-periodic function. The frequency of the ExSync signaldetermines the camera’s frame rate in these modes.

Note that ExSync is edge sensitive and therefore must toggle. Minimum high time for the ExSyncsignal is 2 µs, minimum low time 3 µs. These times can change depending on the exposure modeand timing selected, please see sections 3.3.2.1 to 3.3.3.4.

2.4.2 ExFlash from the Frame GrabberThe first Channel Link contains an LVDS input for the ExFlash signal. With the correspondingregister setting, this input can be tied to the FlashOut signal of the Flash connector. The ExFlashsignal is not used by the camera itself. The ExFlash input corresponds to the camera control signalCC3 as defined in the Camera Link standard.

The minimum pulse width of ExFlash is 1 µs, there are no further restrictions.

2-12 Basler A500k

2.5 Output Signals
Data is output from the A500k using the Camera Link standard. The Pixel Clock signal is describedin Section 2.5.1, the Line Valid signal in Section 2.5.2, the Frame Valid signal in section 2.5.3, andthe video data in Section 2.5.4. How the Video Data is output is described in sections 2.5.5 and2.5.6. Section 2.5.7 describes the Flash trigger output signal.

The A504k/kc uses a modification of the Camera Link standard. The Camera Link standard wasmodified to be able to transmit 80 bits of data in parallel. Framegrabbers are available for theBasler-specific bit assignment.

2.5.1 Pixel ClockAs shown in Table 2-7 for the A501k/kc and in Table 2-6 for the A504k/kc, the pixel clock is assignedto the XClk, and for the A504k/kc also for the YClk and ZClk pins (called strobe) of the ChannelLink transmitter, as defined in the Camera Link standard. The pixel clock is used to time thesampling and transmission of pixel data. The Channel Link transmitter(s) used in A500k camerasrequire pixel data to be sampled and transmitted on the rising edge of the clock.

The frequency of the pixel clock is 67.58 MHz for the A504k/kc and 50 MHz for the A501k/kc. Witheach Pixel Clock signal, 10 pixels for the A504k/kc and 2 pixels for the A501k/kc are transmitted ata depth of 8 Bits.

2.5.2 Line Valid BitAs shown in Figures 2-7 to 2-10, the line valid bit indicates that a valid line is being transmitted.Pixel data is only valid when this bit is high. 640 (A504k/kc) or 128 (A501k/kc) Pixel Clocks arerequired to transmit one full line. As in the camera link standard, line valid is connected to ChannelLink transmitter/receiver pair X, and in the A504k/kc also Y and Z (see Table 2-6 and Table 2-7).In contrast to the camera link standard, line valid is assigned to different pins in the A504k/kc.

2.5.3 Frame Valid BitAs shown in Figures 2-7 to 2-10, the frame valid bit indicates that a valid frame is beingtransmitted. One frame can contain 2 to 1024 Line Valid signals. Line valid and pixel data is onlyvalid when this bit is high. In contrast to the camera link standard, frame valid is only connectedto Camera Link X in the A504k/kc (see Table 2-6).

2.5.4 Video DataTable 2-6 and Figure 2-5 show the assignment of pixel data bits to the input pins on the ChannelLink transmitters X, Y, and Z of the Camera Link in the camera and the corresponding output pinson the Channel Link receivers X, Y, and Z in the frame grabber for the A504k/kc. They also showthe assignment for the frame valid bit and the line valid bit.These signals and the data transmittedvia the three Channel Link transmitter/receiver pairs is not assigned according to the Camera Linkstandard. The Basler-specific connection is described in Table 2-6. Note that framegrabbers areavailable for the Basler-specific pin assignment.

Table 2-7 and Figure 2-6 show the assignment of pixel data bits to the input pins on the ChannelLink transmitter X of the Camera Link in the camera and the corresponding output pins on theChannel Link receiver X in the frame grabber for the A501k/kc. They also show the assignment forthe frame valid bit and the line valid bit.

Basler A500k 2-13


Plug

No.

2, C

hann

el L

ink

No.

Z

Sign

al

D6_

5

D6_

6

D6_

7 (M

SB

)

D7_

0

D7_

1

D7_

2

D7_

3

D7_

4

D7_

5

D7_

6

D7_

7 (M

SB

)

D8_

0

D8_

1

D8_

2

D8_

3

D8_

4

D8_

5

D8_

6

D8_

7 (M

SB

)

D9_

0

D9_

1

D9_

2

D9_

3

D9_

4

D9_

5

D9_

6

D9_

7 (M

SB

)Li

ne V

alid

Pix

el C

lock

G, H

, i, J

Tabl

e 2-

6: B

it A

ssig

nmen

ts o

f the

thre

e C

hann

el L

ink

trans

mitt

ers

(A50

4k/k

c)

Fram

e G

rabb

er

RxO

UT0

RxO

UT1

RxO

UT2

RxO

UT3

RxO

UT4

RxO

UT5

RxO

UT6

RxO

UT7

RxO

UT8

RxO

UT9

RxO

UT1

0

RxO

UT1

1

RxO

UT1

2

RxO

UT1

3

RxO

UT1

4

RxO

UT1

5

RxO

UT1

6

RxO

UT1

7

RxO

UT1

8

RxO

UT1

9

RxO

UT2

0

RxO

UT2

1

RxO

UT2

2

RxO

UT2

3

RxO

UT2

4

RxO

UT2

5

RxO

UT2

6

RxO

UT2

7

RxC

LKO

ut

Cam

era

TxIN

0

TxIN

1

TxIN

2

TxIN

3

TxIN

4

TxIN

5

TxIN

6

TxIN

7

TxIN

8

TxIN

9

TxIN

10

TxIN

11

TxIN

12

TxIN

13

TxIN

14

TxIN

15

TxIN

16

TxIN

17

TxIN

18

TxIN

19

TxIN

20

TxIN

21

TxIN

22

TxIN

23

TxIN

24

TxIN

25

TxIN

26

TxIN

27

TxC

LKIn

Port

Por

t G5

Por

t G6

Por

t G7

Por

t H0

Por

t H1

Por

t H2

Por

t H3

Por

t H4

Por

t H5

Por

t H6

Por

t H7

Por

t I0

Por

t I1

Por

t I2

Por

tI 3

Por

t I4

Por

t I5

Por

t I6

Por

t I7

Por

t J0

Por

t J1

Por

t J2

Por

t J3

Por

t J4

Por

t J5

Por

t J6

Por

t J7

LVA

L

PC

lk

Plug

No.

2, C

hann

el L

ink

No.

Y

Sign

al

D3_

2

D3_

3

D3_

4

D3_

5

D3_

6

D3_

7 (M

SB)

D4_

0

D4_

1

D4_

2

D4_

3

D4_

4

D4_

5

D4_

6

D4_

7 (M

SB)

D5_

0

D5_

1

D5_

2

D5_

3

D5_

4

D5_

5

D5_

6

D5_

7 (M

SB)

D6_

0

D6_

1

D6_

2

D6_

3

D6_

4Li

ne V

alid

Pix

el C

lock

D, E

, F

Fram

e G

rabb

er

RxO

UT0

RxO

UT1

RxO

UT2

RxO

UT3

RxO

UT4

RxO

UT5

RxO

UT6

RxO

UT7

RxO

UT8

RxO

UT9

RxO

UT1

0

RxO

UT1

1

RxO

UT1

2

RxO

UT1

3

RxO

UT1

4

RxO

UT1

5

RxO

UT1

6

RxO

UT1

7

RxO

UT1

8

RxO

UT1

9

RxO

UT2

0

RxO

UT2

1

RxO

UT2

2

RxO

UT2

3

RxO

UT2

4

RxO

UT2

5

RxO

UT2

6

RxO

UT2

7

RxC

LKO

ut

Cam

era

TxIN

0

TxIN

1

TxIN

2

TxIN

3

TxIN

4

TxIN

5

TxIN

6

TxIN

7

TxIN

8

TxIN

9

TxIN

10

TxIN

11

TxIN

12

TxIN

13

TxIN

14

TxIN

15

TxIN

16

TxIN

17

TxIN

18

TxIN

19

TxIN

20

TxIN

21

TxIN

22

TxIN

23

TxIN

24

TxIN

25

TxIN

26

TxIN

27

TxC

LKIn

Port

Por

t D2

Por

t D3

Por

t D4

Por

t D5

Por

t D6

Por

t D7

Por

t E0

Por

t E1

Por

t E2

Por

t E3

Por

t E4

Por

t E5

Por

t E6

Por

t E7

Por

t F0

Por

t F1

Por

t F2

Por

t F3

Por

t F4

Por

t F5

Por

t F6

Por

t F7

Por

t G0

Por

t G1

Por

t G2

Por

t G3

Por

t G4

LVA

L

PC

lk

Plug

No.

1, C

hann

el L

ink

No.

X

Sign

al

D0_

0

D0_

1

D0_

2

D0_

3

D0_

4

D0_

5

D0_

6

D0_

7 (M

SB

)

D1_

0

D1_

1

D1_

2

D1_

3

D1_

4

D1_

5

D1_

6

D1_

7 (M

SB

)

D2_

0

D2_

1

D2_

2

D2_

3

D2_

4

D2_

5

D2_

6

D2_

7 (M

SB

)

Line

Val

id

Fram

e Va

lid

D3_

0

D3_

1

Pix

el C

lock

A, B

, C

Fram

e G

rabb

er

RxO

UT0

RxO

UT1

RxO

UT2

RxO

UT3

RxO

UT4

RxO

UT5

RxO

UT6

RxO

UT7

RxO

UT8

RxO

UT9

RxO

UT1

0

RxO

UT1

1

RxO

UT1

2

RxO

UT1

3

RxO

UT1

4

RxO

UT1

5

RxO

UT1

6

RxO

UT1

7

RxO

UT1

8

RxO

UT1

9

RxO

UT2

0

RxO

UT2

1

RxO

UT2

2

RxO

UT2

3

RxO

UT2

4

RxO

UT2

5

RxO

UT2

6

RxO

UT2

7

RxC

LKO

ut

Cam

era

TxIN

0

TxIN

1

TxIN

2

TxIN

3

TxIN

4

TxIN

5

TxIN

6

TxIN

7

TxIN

8

TxIN

9

TxIN

10

TxIN

11

TxIN

12

TxIN

13

TxIN

14

TxIN

15

TxIN

16

TxIN

17

TxIN

18

TxIN

19

TxIN

20

TxIN

21

TxIN

22

TxIN

23

TxIN

24

TxIN

25

TxIN

26

TxIN

27

TxC

LKIn

Port

Por

t A0

Por

t A1

Por

t A2

Por

t A3

Por

t A4

Por

t A5

Por

t A6

Por

t A7

Por

t B0

Por

t B1

Por

t B2

Por

t B3

Por

t B4

Por

t B5

Por

t B6

Por

t B7

Por

t C0

Por

t C1

Por

t C2

Por

t C3

Por

t C4

Por

t C5

Por

t C6

Por

t C7

LVA

L

FVA

L

Por

t D0

Por

t D1

PC

lk

2-14 Basler A500k


Note that the bit assignment of the A504k/kc does NOT follow the current CameraLink standard in every respect:

• Channel Link No. Y and No. Z do not contain an FVAL signal.• The data lines are assigned to different input pins.• The data lines are also assigned to the spare pins and the pins for FVAL and

DVAL.Note that framegrabbers are available for the Basler-specific bit assignment.

Port Camera FrameGrabber Signal

Port A0 TxIN0 RxOUT0 D0 Bit 0Port A1 TxIN1 RxOUT1 D0 Bit 1Port A2 TxIN2 RxOUT2 D0 Bit 2Port A3 TxIN3 RxOUT3 D0 Bit 3Port A4 TxIN4 RxOUT4 D0 Bit 4Port A5 TxIN5 RxOUT5 D0 Bit 5Port A6 TxIN6 RxOUT6 D0 Bit 6Port A7 TxIN7 RxOUT7 D0 Bit 7 (MSB)Port B0 TxIN8 RxOUT8 D1 Bit 0Port B1 TxIN9 RxOUT9 D1 Bit 1Port B2 TxIN10 RxOUT10 D1 Bit 2Port B3 TxIN11 RxOUT11 D1 Bit 3Port B4 TxIN12 RxOUT12 D1 Bit 4Port B5 TxIN13 RxOUT13 D1 Bit 5Port B6 TxIN14 RxOUT14 D1 Bit 6Port B7 TxIN15 RxOUT15 D1 Bit 7 (MSB)Port C0 TxIN16 RxOUT16 Not UsedPort C1 TxIN17 RxOUT17 Not UsedPort C2 TxIN18 RxOUT18 Not UsedPort C3 TxIN19 RxOUT19 Not UsedPort C4 TxIN20 RxOUT20 Not UsedPort C5 TxIN21 RxOUT21 Not UsedPort C6 TxIN22 RxOUT22 Not UsedPort C7 TxIN23 RxOUT23 Not UsedLVAL TxIN24 RxOUT24 Line ValidFVAL TxIN25 RxOUT25 Frame Valid

Not Used TxIN26 RxOUT26 Not UsedNot Used TxIN27 RxOUT27 Not Used

PClk TxCLKIn RxCLKOut Pixel Clock

Table 2-7: Bit Assignments of the Channel Link Transmitter for the A501k/kc

Basler A500k 2-15

2.5.5 Video Data Output for the A504k/kcA504k cameras output the video data in a 10 * 8 Bit data stream.
The pixel clock is used to time data sampling and transmission. As shown in Figures 2-7 and 2-8,the camera samples and transmits data on each rising edge of the pixel clock.

The image has a maximum size of 1280*1024 pixels that are transmitted with a Pixel Clockfrequency of 67.58MHz over the three Channel Link transmitter/receiver pairs X, Y and Z. Witheach clock cycle ten pixels at a depth of 8 Bits are transmitted in parallel. Therefore one line takesa maximum of 128 clock cycles to become transmitted. For more details about sensor timing,please refer to the Micron MV13 data sheet (www.micron.com).

Due to the internal sensor design, the Area of Interest feature is restricted in horizontal directionsto values that are multiples of ten. For details please read the register description of the AOIStarting Column and the AOI Width register. Image is transmitted line by line from top left tobottom right. Frame Valid (FVAL) and Line Valid (LVAL) mark the beginning and duration of frameand line.

The line valid bit indicates that a valid line is being transmitted. Pixel data is valid when the linevalid bit is high.

The sensor outputs 10 Bits, but two bits output from each ADC are dropped and only 8 bits of dataper pixel is transmitted. The digital shift function selects the bits to be dropped (see section 3.8).

Video Data Sequence for the A504k/kcWhen the camera is not transmitting valid data, the frame valid and line valid bits sent on eachcycle of the pixel clock will be low. The camera can acquire a frame and, at the same time, sendthe previous frame. It can also first acquire a frame and then send it. When Frame valid becomeshigh, the camera starts to send valid data:

• On the pixel clock cycle where frame data transmission begins, the frame valid bit willbecome high. One pixel clock later, the line valid bit will become high (if AOI Starting Column= 0).

• On the pixel clock cycle where data transmission for line one begins, the line valid bit willbecome high. Ten data streams are transmitted in parallel during this clock cycle. The firstpixel is the first pixel in the first data stream D_0. The second pixel is the first pixel in the sec-ond data stream D_1, and so on. The tenth data stream D_10 contains the tenth pixel. 8 bitswill contain the data for each pixel.

• On the next cycle of the pixel clock, the line valid bit will be high. The eleventh pixel is thesecond pixel in the D_0 data stream. The twelfth pixel is the second pixel in the D_1 datastream, and so on. The tenth D_9 data stream contains the twentieth pixel. 8 bits will containthe data for each pixel.

• On the next cycle of the pixel clock, the line valid bit will be high. The twenty first pixel is thethird pixel in the D_0 data stream. The twenty second pixel is the third pixel in the D_1 data

The data sequence outlined below, along with Figures 2-7 and 2-8, describe what ishappening at the inputs to the Channel Link transmitters in the camera.

Note that the timing used for sampling the data at the Channel Link receivers in theframe grabber varies from device to device. On some receivers, data must be sam-pled on the rising edge of the pixel clock (receive clock), and on others, it must besampled on the falling edge. Also, some devices are available which allow you toselect either rising edge or falling edge sampling. Please consult the data sheet forthe receiver that you are using for specific timing information.

2-16 Basler A500k

stream, and so on. The tenth D_9 data stream contains the thirtieth pixel. 8 bits will containthe data for each pixel.
• This pattern will continue until all of the pixel data for each data stream for line one has beentransmitted. (A total of 128 cycles for the A504k/kc)

• Line valid becomes low for four pixel clocks.• On the pixel clock cycle where data transmission for line two begins, the line valid bit will

become high. Ten data streams are transmitted in parallel during this clock cycle. In eachdata stream, 8 bits will contain the data for the first, second, third ... tenth pixel of line numbertwo.

• On the next cycle of the pixel clock, the line valid bit will be high. Ten data streams are trans-mitted in parallel during this clock cycle. In each data stream, 8 bits will contain the data forthe eleventh, twelfth, thirteenth ... twentieth pixel of line number two.

• On the next cycle of the pixel clock, the line valid bit will be high. Ten data streams are trans-mitted in parallel during this clock cycle. In each data stream, 8 bits will contain the data forthe twenty first, twenty second, twenty third ... thirtieth pixel of line number two.

• This pattern will continue until all of the pixel data for each data stream for line two has beentransmitted. (A total of 128 cycles.)

• After all of the pixels in line two have been transmitted, the line valid bit will become low forfour cycles indicating that valid data for line two is no longer being transmitted.

• The camera will continue to transmit pixel data for each line as described above until all ofthe lines in the frame have been transmitted. After all of the lines have been transmitted, theframe valid bit will become low at the same time as line valid indicating that a valid frame isno longer being transmitted.

• Frame valid will remain low for at least 3 pixel clock cycles until the next frame starts.

Figure 2-7 shows the data sequence when the camera is operating in edge-controlled or level-controlled exposure mode and Figure 2-8 shows the data sequence when the camera is operatingin programmable exposure mode.

Basler A500k 2-17


Figure 2-7: 8 Bit Output Mode with Edge or Level-controlled Exposure for the A504k/kc

This diagram assumes that the area of interest feature is not being used. With the area of interest feature enabled,the number of pixels transferred could be smaller.

2-18 Basler A500k


Figure 2-8: 8 Bit output Mode with Programmable Exposure for the A504k/kc

2.5.6 Video Data Output for the A501k/kcA501k/kc cameras output the video data in a 2 * 8 Bit data stream.

The pixel clock is used to time data sampling and transmission. As shown in Figures 2-9 and 2-10, the camera samples and transmits data on each rising edge of the pixel clock.

The image has a maximum size of 1280*1024 pixels that are transmitted with a Pixel Clockfrequency of 50MHz over the Channel Link transmitter/receiver pair X. With each clock cycle twopixels at a depth of 8 Bits are transmitted in parallel. Therefore one line takes a maximum of 640clock cycles to become transmitted. For more details about sensor timing, please refer to theMicron MV13 data sheet (www.micron.com).

Due to the internal sensor design, the Area of Interest feature is restricted in horizontal directionsto values that are multiples of ten. For details please read the register description of the AOIStarting Column and the AOI Width register. Image is transmitted line by line from top left tobottom right. Frame Valid (FVAL) and Line Valid (LVAL) mark the beginning and duration of frameand line.

The line valid bit indicates that a valid line is being transmitted. Pixel data is valid when the linevalid bit is high.

This diagram assumes that the area of interest feature is not being used. With the area of interest feature enabled,the number of pixels transferred could be smaller.

Basler A500k 2-19

The sensor outputs 10 Bits, but the two bits output from each ADC are dropped and only 8 bits ofdata per pixel is transmitted. The digital shift function selects the bits to be dropped (see section3.8).
Video Data Sequence for the A501k/kcWhen the camera is not transmitting valid data, the frame valid and line valid bits sent on eachcycle of the pixel clock will be low. The camera can acquire a frame and, at the same time, sendthe previous frame. It can also first acquire a frame and then send it. When Frame valid becomeshigh, the camera starts to send valid data:

• On the pixel clock cycle where frame data transmission begins, the frame valid bit willbecome high. Five pixel clocks later, the line valid bit will become high (if AOI Starting Col-umn = 0).

• On the pixel clock cycle where data transmission for line one begins, the line valid bit willbecome high. Two data streams are transmitted in parallel during this clock cycle. The firstpixel is the first pixel in the first data stream D_0. The second pixel is the first pixel in the sec-ond data stream D_1. 8 bits will contain the data for each pixel.

• On the next cycle of the pixel clock, the line valid bit will be high. The third pixel is the secondpixel in the D_0 data stream. The fourth pixel is the second pixel in the D_1 data stream. 8bits will contain the data for each pixel.

• On the next cycle of the pixel clock, the line valid bit will be high. The fifth pixel is the thirdpixel in the D_0 data stream. The sixth pixel is the third pixel in the D_1 data stream. 8 bitswill contain the data for each pixel.

• This pattern will continue until all of the pixel data for each data stream for line one has beentransmitted. (A total of 640 cycles for the A501k/kc.)

• Line valid becomes low for twenty pixel clocks.• On the pixel clock cycle where data transmission for line two begins, the line valid bit will

become high. Two data streams are transmitted in parallel during this clock cycle. In eachdata stream, 8 bits will contain the data for the first and second pixel of line number two.

• On the next cycle of the pixel clock, the line valid bit will be high. Two data streams are trans-mitted in parallel during this clock cycle. In each data stream, 8 bits will contain the data forthe third and fourth pixel of line number two.

• On the next cycle of the pixel clock, the line valid bit will be high. Two data streams are trans-mitted in parallel during this clock cycle. In each data stream, 8 bits will contain the data forthe fifth and sixth pixel of line number two.

• This pattern will continue until all of the pixel data for each data stream for line two has beentransmitted. (A total of 640 cycles.)

• After all of the pixels in line two have been transmitted, the line valid bit will become low fortwenty cycles indicating that valid data for line two is no longer being transmitted.

• The camera will continue to transmit pixel data for each line as described above until all ofthe lines in the frame have been transmitted. After all of the lines have been transmitted, the

The data sequence outlined below, along with Figures 2-9 and 2-10, describe whatis happening at the inputs to the Channel Link transmitters in the camera.

Note that the timing used for sampling the data at the Channel Link receivers in theframe grabber varies from device to device. On some receivers, data must be sam-pled on the rising edge of the pixel clock (receive clock), and on others, it must besampled on the falling edge. Also, some devices are available which allow you toselect either rising edge or falling edge sampling. Please consult the data sheet forthe receiver that you are using for specific timing information.

2-20 Basler A500k

frame valid bit will become low at the same time as line valid indicating that a valid frame isno longer being transmitted.
• Frame valid will remain low for at least 15 pixel clock cycles until the next frame starts.

Figure 2-9 shows the data sequence when the camera is operating in edge-controlled or level-controlled exposure mode and Figure 2-10 shows the data sequence when the camera isoperating in programmable exposure mode.

Figure 2-9: 8 Bit Output Mode with Edge or Level-controlled Exposure for the A501k/kc

This diagram assumes that the area of interest feature is not being used. With the area of interest feature enabled, thenumber of pixels transferred could be smaller.

Basler A500k 2-21


Figure 2-10: 8 Bit output Mode with Programmable Exposure for the A501k/kc

2.5.7 Flash Trigger SignalThis signal can be programmed via the FlashCtrl register (see section 4.2.4.14). Six differentoptions are programmable:

• The FlashOut trigger signal can be deactivated, that is, low.• It can be tied to an “Effective Exposure“ signal that is generated internally. This means that

the FlashOut signal goes high when exposure starts and it goes low when exposure stops,regardless of the exposure mode chosen. As an option, the polarity of FlashOut can beinverted.

• The signal can be tied to the external ExFlash input signal provided by the framegrabber. Asan option, the polarity of FlashOut can be inverted.

• FlashOut can be permanently high.

This diagram assumes that the area of interest feature is not being used. With the area of interest feature enabled, thenumber of pixels transferred could be smaller.

2-22 Basler A500k

2.5.8 VGA Monitor Output (A504k/kc)The VGA monitor output transmits 640*480 pixels RGB at a rate of 60 Hz. To achieve this, theimage from the sensor (1280 x 1024 pixels) must be reduced. The first 32 lines and the last 32lines of the image are not transmitted. Then, only every second pixel from the remaining 1280 x960 pixels are transmitted to the VGA monitor output. The image on the monitor has a resolutionof 640 x 480 pixels.
To activate the VGA monitor output, the free-run VGA exposure mode must be selected. The VGAexposure mode can only be used with a synchronous timing. In addition, it can only be operatedin free-run, which means that it can NOT be triggered externally. The data is output at the VGAmonitor connector and, at the same time, at the Camera Link output connectors.

When the camera is set to an exposure mode other than free-run VGA, a test image is output tothe VGA output. The test image consists of monochrome gray wedges for monochrome cameras,or color wedges for color cameras.

Timing

The VGA exposure mode operates in a synchronous timing because the sensor timing must beadapted to the frame and line frequencies required by the monitor. In synchronous timings, thestart of exposure is only possible at the falling edge of the line valid signal. In the VGA exposuremode, this fixed time pattern continues even while frame valid and line valid are low. The line validsignal period is 15.8 µs, so effective exposure is only possible in multiples of 15.8 µs, also whileline valid is low. Frame valid rises 34 µs after the internal control signal has risen. See Figure 2-11.

If the exposure time is set so that the exposure start signal falls exactly onto the end of a high linevalid signal, the effective exposure can jitter by 15.8 µs. To avoid this, change the exposure timeby 1 µs.

Figure 2-11: Output of VGA exposure mode

effective exposure

waiting for next pulse

Basler A500k 2-23

2.6 RS-644 Serial Communication
The A500k is equipped for RS-644 serial communication via the frame grabber as specified in theCamera Link standard. The RS-644 serial connection in the Camera Link interface is used to issuecommands to the camera for changing modes and parameters. The serial link can also be usedto query the camera about its current setup.

The Basler Camera Configuration Tool Plus (CCT+) is a convenient, graphical interface that canbe used to change camera modes and parameters via the serial connection. The configurationtool is installed as part of the camera installation procedure shown in the booklet that is shippedwith the camera. Section 4.1 provides some basic information about the configuration tool.Detailed instructions for using the tool are included in the on-line help file that is installed with thetool.

Basler has also developed a binary command protocol that can be used to change camera modesand parameters directly from your own application via the serial connection. See Section 4.2 fordetails on the binary command format, and section 4.2 for information on how to configure thecamera with binary commands.

2.6.1 Making the Serial ConnectionFrame grabbers compliant with the Camera Link specification are equipped with a serial portintegrated into the Camera Link interface that can be used for RS-644 serial communication. Thecharacteristics of the serial port can vary from manufacturer.

If you are using the Basler CCT+ to configure the camera, the tool will detect the characteristicsof the serial port on the frame grabber and will determine the appropriate settings so that the toolcan open and use the port.

If you are configuring the camera using binary commands from within your application software,your software must be able to access the frame grabber serial port and to determine theappropriate settings so that it can open and use the port. Please consult your frame grabber’sdocumentation to determine the port access method and the port characteristics.

2.7 Converting Camera Link Output to RS-644 with a k-BIC (A501k/kc only)On the A501k/kc, video data is output from the camera in Camera Link LVDS format and parameterchange commands are issued to the camera using RS-644 serial communication via the framegrabber. On older cameras, video data was output using an RS-644 LVDS format and commandswere issued using RS-232 serial communication via the host PC. The output from A501k/kccameras can be converted to the older style of output by using a Basler Interface Converter for k-series cameras (k-BIC). The k-BIC is a small device which attaches to the A501k/kc with a CameraLink compatible cable. For complete information on the k-BIC, refer to the k-BIC Users Manualand the k-BIC Installation Guide.

In order for the Camera Configuration Tool Plus and the CPA driver to detect anduse the port, the characteristics of the port must comply with the Camera Link stan-dard and the DLL called for in the standard must be present.

2-24 Basler A500k

2.8 DC Power
The A500k requires 12 VDC (± 10%) power. The maximum power consumption is 6 W for theA504k/kc and 3 W for the A501k/kc. The current during constant operation is 250 mA max for theA501k/kc and 500 mA max for the A504k/kc. Peak currents may occur. We recommend to use1.5 A power supplies.

The camera is equipped with an undervoltage lockout. It has no overvoltage protection.

Ripple must be less than 1%.

2.9 Power Control: Full Function and StandbyThe camera can be set into a standby mode with register settings (see section 4.2.11). In standbymode, the camera’s power consumption is reduced to 2.5 W for the A504k/kc and 1.8 W for theA501k/kc. The Camera Link output is no longer fed, the sensor does not react any more. Themonitor output available for the A504k/kc is no longer fed. The camera remembers the work setconfiguration. The serial communication is still operable. When the camera is set back to fullfunction, it takes maximum 0.5 sec until it is fully operable. During this startup time, the ExSyncsignal is not recognized reliably which can have the effect that the first image is not exposedcorrectly.

Power up time after power was off entirely takes a maximum of 3 sec.

2.10 Status LEDWhen the LED on the back of the camera is not lit, it means that no power is present. When theLED is lit, it means that power to the camera is present.

Keep in mind that the circuit used to light the LED on the camera does not perform a voltage rangecheck. If power to the camera is present but it is out of range, the LED on the camera may be litbut the camera will not operate properly.

When the LED on the back of the camera is orange this indicates signal integrity. At power up, theLED will light for several seconds in orange and sometimes green as the microprocessor in thecamera boots up. If all is OK, the LED will then remain orange continuously.

If an error condition is detected at any time after the microprocessor boots up, the LED will beginto blink an error code. See Section 6 for details.

A Hirose plug will be shipped with each camera. This plug should be used to termi-nate the cable on the camera's power supply.

For proper EMI protection, the power supply cable attached to this plug must be atwin-core shielded cable. Also, the housing of the Hirose plug must be connected tothe cable shield and the cable shield must be connected to earth ground at thepower supply.

Make sure that the polarity is correct.

Basler A500k 2-25


2-26 Basler A500k

Basic Operation and FeaturesPRELIMINARY

3 Basic Operation and Features

3.1 Functional DescriptionBASLER A500k area scan cameras employ a CMOS-sensor chip which provides features such asa full frame shutter, electronic exposure time control and anti-blooming. Exposure time iscontrolled either internally via an internal sync signal (free-run mode) or externally via an externaltrigger (ExSync) signal. The ExSync signal facilitates periodic or non-periodic pixel readout.

In any free-run mode, the camera generates its own internal control signal and the internal signalis used to control exposure and charge read out. When operating in free-run, the camera outputsframes continuously.

When exposure is controlled by an ExSync signal, exposure time can be either edge-controlled,level-controlled or programmable. In edge-controlled mode, charge is accumulated from the risingedge to the next rising edge of ExSync. The rising edge of ExSync also triggers the readout. Inlevel-controlled mode, charge is accumulated when the ExSync signal is low and a rising edge ofExSync triggers the readout. In programmable mode, exposure time can be programmed to apredetermined time period. In this case, exposure begins on the rising edge of ExSync andaccumulated charges are read out when the programmed exposure time ends.

The A504k/kc has a special feature: In addition to sending video data to a framegrabber, it can beoutput to an VGA monitor (640 x 480 pixels). In VGA exposure mode the camera generates itsown internal control signal and the internal signal is used to control exposure and charge read out.The frame frequency is set to 60 Hz. The camera outputs frames continuously to the monitor and,at the same time, to the Camera Link output.

At readout, all accumulated charges of all pixels are simultaneously transported from the light-sensitive sensor elements (pixels) to the pixel memory (full frame shutter). There is a pixelmemory for each pixel. As a consequence, the camera can be exposed and read out at the sametime. The charges of the pixel memory are amplified. The pixel memories can be connected to abus. There is one bus for each vertical column. At the end of each bus, there is an analog/digitalconverter (ADC).

For readout, the pixel memories can be addressed linewise by closing a switch that connects thepixel memory of the addressed lines to the busses. Before the analog video data enters the ADC,the offset is added, plus a value that corrects column fixed pattern noise. The analog video datais digitized by a ten bit, Analog to Digital converter (ADC). The ADC’s reference value is used toset the gain. The digitized video data then passes a digital 128 stage shift register, which outputs10 x 10 Bit of data in parallel with each cycle. Then the 10 Bit data enters the digital shifter in theFPGA, which selects the 8 bits out of the 10 bits output by the sensor. The next step of the dataflow is different in the A504k/kc and the A501k/kc:

• In the A504k/kc, the data is formatted to be output in 10 data streams in parallel (10 taps).

Basler A500k 3-1

Basic Operation and Features PRELIMINARY
• In the A501k/kc, the data is reformatted to be output in 2 data streams in parallel (2 taps).
The 8 Bit video data is transmitted from the camera to the frame grabber using a Camera Linktransmission format (see Section 2.5 for details). The camera can transmit video at an eight bitdepth.

For optimal digitization, gain and offset are programmable via a serial port.

Figure 3-1: A500k/kc Sensor Architecture

1 2 3 1 0 1 1 1 2 2 0 2 1 1 2 8 0

1

2

3

4

1 0 2 4C o n tro l

L o g ic R e f

1 0 x 1 0 B it

D ig ita l 1 2 8 S ta g e S h i ft R e g is te r1 0 x 1 0 x 1 2 8

C M O S -S e n s o r

D ig ita l- O u tp u t S e n s o r

1 01 0

1 0

1 2 8 C e lls

1 0

c le a r

P ix e lM e m o r y

3-2 Basler A500k


Figure 3-2: A504k/kc Block Diagram

Figure 3-3: A501k/kc Block Diagram

Basler A500k 3-3

3.2 Exposure Time Control Modes
A500k cameras can operate under the control of an external trigger signal (ExSync signal) or canoperate in “free-run.” In free-run, the camera generates its own internal control signal and doesnot require an ExSync signal.

3.2.1 ExSync Controlled OperationIn ExSync operation, the camera’s frame rate and exposure time are controlled by an externallygenerated (ExSync) signal. The ExSync signal is typically supplied to the camera by a framegrabber board. You should refer to the manual supplied with your frame grabber board todetermine how to set up the ExSync signal that is being supplied to the camera.

When the camera is operating under the control of an ExSync signal, the length of the ExSyncsignal period determines the camera’s frame rate. ExSync can be periodic or non-periodic.

When the camera is operating with an ExSync signal, it has three modes of exposure time controlavailable: edge-controlled mode, level-controlled mode and programmable mode.

• In ExSync, edge-controlled mode, the pixels are exposed and charge is accumulated overthe full period of the ExSync signal (rising edge to rising edge). The falling edge of theExSync signal is irrelevant. The frame is read out and transferred on the rising edge ofExSync (see Figure 3-4).

Figure 3-4: ExSync, Edge-Controlled Mode

• In ExSync, level-controlled mode, the exposure time is determined by the time between thefalling edge of ExSync and the next rising edge. The pixels are exposed and charge is accu-mulated only when ExSync is low. The frame is read out and transferred on the rising edge ofthe ExSync signal (see Figure 3-5).

Figure 3-5: ExSync, Level-controlled Mode

3-4 Basler A500k

• In ExSync, programmable mode, the rising edge of ExSync triggers exposure and charge
accumulation for a pre-programmed period of time. The frame is read out and transferred atthe end of the pre-programmed period. The falling edge of ExSync is irrelevant (see Figure 3-6).A parameter called the “Timer 1” is used to set the length of the pre-programmed exposureperiod.

Figure 3-6: ExSync, Programmable Mode

If you want to operate the camera at maximum exposure time and maximum frame rate, seesection 3.5 for further setting recommendations.

You can set the camera to operate in one of the ExSync controlled exposure modes using eitherthe Camera Configuration Tool Plus (see Section 4.1) or binary commands (see Section 4.2).

With the Camera Configuration Tool Plus, you use the Exposure Time Control Mode command toset the camera for ExSync operation and to select the level controlled or programmable exposuretime control mode. If you select the programmable mode, you must also enter an exposure time.When you enter an exposure time, the configuration tool will automatically set the “Timer 1”parameter to the correct value.

With binary commands, you must use the Exposure Time Control Mode command to selectExSync level-controlled or ExSync programmable mode. If you choose the programmable mode,you must also use the Timer 1 command to set the exposure time.

3.2.2 Free RunIn free-run, no ExSync signal is required. The camera generates a continuous internal controlsignal.

When the camera is operating in free-run, it exposes and outputs frames continuously.

A500k cameras have a free-run, programmable mode. The A504k/kc cameras additionally have afree-run, VGA mode.

• In free-run, programmable mode, the camera generates a continuous internal control sig-nal based on two programmable parameters: “Timer 1” and “Timer 2.” Timer 1 determineshow long the internal control signal will remain low and Timer 2 determines how long the sig-nal will remain high. Pixels are exposed and charge is accumulated when the internal controlsignal is low. The length of the control signal period determines the camera’s frame rate.(The control signal period is equal to Timer 1 plus Timer 2. The frame is read out and trans-ferred on the rising edge of internal control signal. See Figure 3-7.In this mode, the exposure time can programmed as desired by varying the setting of the“Timer 1” parameter.

Basler A500k 3-5


Figure 3-7: Free-run, Programmable Mode

• In free-run, VGA mode (A504k/kc only), the camera generates a continuous internal controlsignal which is set to 60 Hz and can not be varied. The data is output at the VGA monitor out-put connector and at the Camera Link connectors. Timer 1 determines how long the internalsignal will remain low. Pixels are exposed and charge is accumulated when the internal con-trol signal is low. In this mode, the exposure time can be programmed as desired by varyingthe setting of the “Timer 1” parameter.

The minimum exposure time is 10 µs.

Also see section 2.5.8 for a description of the VGA monitor output mode.

If you want to operate the camera at maximum exposure and maximum frame rate, see section3.5 for further setting recommendations.

You can set the camera to operate in free-run using either the Camera Configuration Tool Plus(see Section 4.1) or binary commands (see Section 4.2).

With the Camera Configuration Tool Plus, you use the Exposure Time Control Mode command toset the camera for free-run and to select the edge-controlled or programmable exposure timecontrol mode. If you choose to operate the camera in free-run, the configuration tool will requireyou to enter a frame rate; if you are using the programmable mode, you must also enter anexposure time. The configuration tool will automatically set the Timer 1 and Timer 2 parametersbased on the values that you enter on the Exposure Tab.

With binary commands you must use the Exposure Time Control Mode command to select thefree-run, programmable or free-run, VGA mode. You must also use the Timer 1 command to setTimer 1 and the Timer 2 command to set Timer 2.

In the free-run programmable mode, the period of the internal control signal isequal to the sum of Timer 1 plus Timer 2. The sum of the Timer 1 setting plus theTimer 2 setting must be greater than the maximum frame rate.

The minimum exposure time is 10 µs.

= 60 Hz

3-6 Basler A500k

3.3 Exposure Time Control Modes in Detail
This section is aimed at system integrators or engineers who intend to develop their ownframegrabbers or preprocessing. If you are using a commercially available framegrabber, theframegrabber takes care of the different timings described in this section without the need for anyaction by you.

Depending on the frame rate and exposure time determined by setting the ExSync signal or theTimer 1 and Timer 2 values, the timing of the exposure control signals differs. There are fourdifferent timings and the camera switches between these four timings automatically.

• Asynchronous Timing: This is the slowest timing. This timing is always used for the firstimage. You can realize a long exposure time with this timing. Exposure and readout are per-formed sequentially. Exposure starts after frame transfer, that is, while frame valid is low.Readout of the next frame is triggered after transmission of the last frame, that is, whileframe valid is low. To let the camera remain in this timing, set the frame rate and the expo-sure time so that the following condition is given:

The asynchronous timing is described in more detail in sections 3.3.1.1, 3.3.2.1, 3.3.3.1, and3.3.4.1 for each exposure mode.

• Synchronous/Asynchronous Timing: This timing is suitable for long exposure times.Exposure starts during frame transfer, that is, while frame valid is high. Readout of the nextframe is triggered after transmission of the last frame, that is, while frame valid is low. To make the camera enter this timing, set the frame rate and the exposure time so that thefollowing conditions are given:

The synchronous/asynchronous timing is described in sections 3.3.2.2, 3.3.3.2, and 3.3.4.2for each exposure mode.

• Synchronous Timing 1: The time that frame valid is low between two subsequent framescorresponds to the time of one and a half lines. Exposure starts during frame transfer, that is,while frame valid is high. Readout of the last frame acquired is triggered during transmissionof the last line of the frame being read out at present, that is, while frame valid and line validof the last line are high. To make the camera enter this timing, set the frame rate and theexposure time so that the following conditions are given:

This introductory section contains formulas that describe the conditions for the cam-era to enter the four timings. The formulas were generalized as much as possible,but the figures were taken from the Free-run mode. They can be different in otherexposure time control modes.

For detailed information, see the detailed timings described in sections 3.3.1 through3.3.4.

Frame Valid High is 2000 µs for the A504k/kc and 13.517 ms for the A501k/kc.

Frame Period 1Frame Rate-------------------------------=

Frame Period Exposure Time Frame Valid High+>

Frame Period Exposure Time Frame Valid High+<

Frame Period Frame Valid High 3 µs for A504k/kc (or + 20.2 µs for A501k/kc)+>

Frame Period Frame Valid High 3 µs for A504k/kc (or + 20.2 µs for A501k/kc)+<

Frame Period Frame Valid High 44 ns for A504 (or 300 ns for A501)+>

Basler A500k 3-7

The synchronous timing 1 is described in sections 3.3.1.2, 3.3.2.3, 3.3.3.3, and 3.3.4.3 foreach exposure mode.
• Synchronous Timing 2: This is the fastest timing. Frame valid is low for 3 (A504k/kc) or 15(A501k/kc) pixel clocks between two subsequent frames. Exposure starts during frame trans-fer, that is, while frame valid is high. Readout of the last frame acquired is triggered duringtransmission of the next to the last line of the frame being read out at present, that is, whileframe valid and line valid of the next to the last line are high. To make the camera enter thistiming, set the frame rate and the exposure time so that the following conditions are given:

The synchronous timing 2 is described in sections 3.3.1.3, 3.3.2.4, 3.3.3.4, and 3.3.4.4 foreach exposure mode. Also see section 3.5 on how to set frame rate and exposure time toachieve this exposure mode at full AOI.

The following sections describe the detailed timing of the exposure time control modes dependingon the selected frame rate and exposure time.

The following values are valid for all timing diagrams:

ExSync drives the internal camera control signal. The internal control signal takesless than 200 ns to react to ExSync in the A504k/kc and less than 1 µs in the A501k/kc.

The minimum exposure time is 10 µs for all modes.

Line valid rises after frame valid has risen (see Figure 2-7 to Figure 2-10).

The following timing diagrams all contain a FlashOut signal:

The FlashOut signal can be set into a special mode in which it is high while the actualexposure inside the camera is active.

Frame Period Frame Valid High 44 ns for A504k/kc (or 300 ns for A501k/kc)+<

Frame Period 1Min Frame Rate-------------------------------------------≥

3-8 Basler A500k

3.3.1 ExSync, Edge-controlled ModeWhen using the ExSync edge-controlled mode to control exposure, several guidelines must befollowed:
• ExSync must remain high for a minimum of 1 µs. • ExSync must remain low for a minimum of 1 µs.• The minimum ExSync signal period is 2 ms with the full AOI for the A504k/kc, and 13.52 ms

for the A501k/kc.• If the AOI feature is being used, the minimum ExSync signal period is equal to

1/Maximum Frame Rate where the maximum frame rate is determined by theformula on page 35.

Assuming that these general guidelines are followed, the reaction of the camera to a rising ExSyncsignal will be one of three cases, which are described in sections 3.3.1.1, 3.3.1.2 and 3.3.1.3.

3.3.1.1 ExSync, Edge-controlled Mode with Asynchronous Timing

Figure 3-8: ExSync, Edge-controlled Mode - Exposure Start and Stop with Frame Valid Low

If the exposure starts and stops when Frame Valid is low (see Table for values n to y):

• The actual start of exposure is x µs later than the rise of the ExSync signal.• Actual length of exposure time = n µs - y µs

Due to the propagation time of approximately 1 µs, ExSync can become high up to 1 µs beforeframe valid becomes low.

A504k/kc A501k/kc

n exposure set by ExSync

x 3.3 µs 20.8 µs

y ≤ 3 µs ≤ 12.8 µs

Basler A500k 3-9

3.3.1.2 ExSync, Edge-controlled Mode with Synchronous Timing 1
Figure 3-9: ExSync, Edge-controlled Mode - Exposure Start and Stop with Frame Valid High

If the exposure starts and ends while Frame Valid is high (see Table for values n to y):

• The actual start of exposure can be x µs later than the rise of the ExSync signal.• Actual length of exposure time = n µs - y µs

A504k/kc A501k/kc


x 3.3 ... 5.2 µs 27 ... 40 µs

y ≤ 3 µs ≤ 12.8 µs

3-10 Basler A500k

3.3.1.3 ExSync, Edge-controlled Mode with Synchronous Timing 2
Figure 3-10: ExSync, Edge-controlled Mode - Exposure Start and Stop with Frame Valid High

If the exposure starts and ends while Frame Valid is high (see Table for values n to y):

• The actual start of exposure can be x µs later than the rise of the ExSync signal.• Actual length of exposure time = n µs - y µs

A504k/kc A501k/kc


x 5 µs ... 6 µs 20 ... 26.9 µs

y 3 µs 12.8 µs

Basler A500k 3-11

3.3.2 ExSync, Level-controlled ModeWhen using the ExSync level-controlled mode to control exposure, several guidelines must befollowed:
• ExSync must remain high for a minimum of 5 µs. • ExSync must remain low for a minimum of 10 µs.• The minimum ExSync signal period is 2 ms with the full AOI for the A504k/kc, and 13.52 ms



Assuming that these general guidelines are followed, the reaction of the camera to a fallingExSync signal will be one of four cases, which are described in sections 3.3.2.1, 3.3.2.2, 3.3.2.3and 3.3.2.4.

3.3.2.1 ExSync, Level-controlled Mode with Asynchronous Timing

Figure 3-11: ExSync, Level-controlled Mode - Exposure Start and Stop when Frame Valid is Low

If the exposure starts end ends while Frame Valid is low (see Table for value n to x):

• The actual start of exposure is x µs later than the falling of the ExSync signal.• Actual length of exposure time = n µs

ExSync signal can already go low up to 1 µs before FVAL is low.

The FlashOut signal can be set into a mode where it is high while the actual expo-sure is active. This FlashOut mode is shown in the timing diagrams.

A504k/kc A501k/kc


x 1.8 µs 7.2 µs

3-12 Basler A500k

3.3.2.2 ExSync, Level-controlled Mode with Synchronous/Asynchronous Timing
Figure 3-12: ExSync, Level-controlled Mode - Exposure Start when Frame Valid is High, Exposure Stop when Frame Valid is Low

If the exposure starts while Frame Valid is high, and ends while Frame Valid is low (see Table forvalues n to z):

• The actual start of exposure can be x µs later than the falling of the ExSync signal.• Actual length of exposure time = n - y µs .... n + z µs

A504k/kc A501k/kc


x 1.8 µs to 5 µs 6.8 µs to 20 µs

y ≤ 2 µs ≤ 13 µs

z 0 µs ≤ 0.2 µs

Basler A500k 3-13

3.3.2.3 ExSync, Level-controlled Mode with Synchronous Timing 1
Figure 3-13: ExSync, Level-controlled Mode - Exposure Start and Stop when Frame Valid is High

If the exposure starts and ends while Frame Valid is high (see Table for values n to z):

• The actual start of exposure can be x µs later than the falling of the ExSync signal.• Actual length of exposure time = n - y µs ... n + z µs

The actual length of exposure time can only occur in multiples of w µs.

A504k/kc A501k/kc


x 1.8 µs to 5 µs 6.9 µs to 20.2 µs

y ≤ 2 µs ≤ 7 µs

z ≤ 2 µs ≤ 12.7 µs

w 2 µs 13.2 µs

3-14 Basler A500k

3.3.2.4 ExSync, Level-controlled Mode with Synchronous Timing 2
Figure 3-14: ExSync, Level-controlled Mode - Exposure Start and Stop when Frame Valid High


• The actual start of exposure can be x µs later than the falling of the ExSync signal.• Actual length of exposure time = n - y µs ... n + z µs


A504k/kc A501k/kc


x 1.8 µs to 5 µs 1 µs to 3 µs

y ≤ 2 µs ≤ 7 µs

z ≤ 2 µs ≤ 12.7 µs

w 2 µs 13.2 µs

Basler A500k 3-15

3.3.3 ExSync, Programmable ModeWhen using the ExSync programmable mode to control exposure, several guidelines must befollowed:
• ExSync must remain high for a minimum of 1 µs. • ExSync must remain low for a minimum of 1 µs.• Timer 1 must be set to a minimum of 10 µs.• The minimum ExSync signal period is 2 ms with the full AOI for the A504k/kc, and 13.52 ms





3-16 Basler A500k

3.3.3.1 ExSync, Programmable Mode with Asynchronous Timing
Figure 3-15: ExSync, Programmable Mode - Exposure Start and Stop with Frame Valid Low

If the exposure starts and ends while Frame Valid is low (see Table for values n to y):

• The actual start of exposure is x µs later than the rise of the ExSync signal.• Actual length of exposure time = n µs + y µs

ExSync signal can already become high up to 1 µs before FVAL becomes low.

A504k/kc A501k/kc


x 1.7 µs 7.2 µs

y 0 µs ≤ 5.5 µs

Basler A500k 3-17

3.3.3.2 ExSync, Programmable Mode with Synchronous/Asynchronous
Timing

Figure 3-16: ExSync, Programmable Mode - Exposure Start when Frame Valid is High, Exposure Stop when Frame Valid is Low

If the exposure starts when Frame Valid is high and ends while Frame Valid is low (see Table forvalues n to z):

• The actual start of exposure can be x µs later than the rise of the ExSync signal.• Actual length of exposure time = n - y µs ... n + z µs

A504k/kc A501k/kc


x 1.7 µs to 3.7 µs 6.9 µs to 20.2 µs

y ≤ 1 µs ≤ 7.1 µs

z ≤ 3 µs ≤ 6.2 µs

3-18 Basler A500k

3.3.3.3 ExSync, Programmable Mode with Synchronous Timing 1
Figure 3-17: ExSync, Programmable Mode - Exposure Start and Stop when Frame Valid is High


• The actual start of exposure can be x µs later than the rise of the ExSync signal.• Actual length of exposure time = n - y µs ... n + z µs

The actual length of exposure time can jitter by 1 µs and it can only occur in multiples of wµs.

A504k/kc A501k/kc


x 1.7 µs to 3.7 µs 6.9 µs to 20.2 µs

y ≤ 1 µs ≤ 7.4 µs

z ≤ 2 µs ≤ 20.7 µs

w 2 µs 13.2 µs

Basler A500k 3-19

3.3.3.4 ExSync, Programmable Mode with Synchronous Timing 2
Figure 3-18: ExSync, Programmable Mode - Exposure Start and Stop with Frame Valid High


• The actual start of exposure can be x µs later than the rise of the ExSync signal.• Actual length of exposure time = n - y µs...n + z µs


A504k/kc A501k/kc


x 1.7 µs to 3.7 µs 6.9 µs to 20.2 µs

y ≤ 1 µs ≤ 7.4 µs

z ≤ 2 µs ≤ 20.7 µs

w 2 µs 13.2 µs

3-20 Basler A500k

3.3.4 Free-run ModeWhen using the freerun, programmable mode to control exposure, several guidelines must befollowed:
• The internal control signal must remain high for a minimum of 3 µs. • The internal control signal must remain low for a minimum of 10 µs.• The minimum internal sync signal period is 2 ms with the full AOI for the A504k/kc, and 13.52

ms for the A501k/kc.• If the AOI feature is being used, the minimum internal sync signal period is equal to



3.3.4.1 Free-run Mode with Asynchronous Timing

Figure 3-19: Free-run, Programmable Mode - Exposure Start and Stop with Frame Valid Low

If the exposure starts and ends while Frame Valid is low:

• Actual length of exposure time = n µs (n = exposure set by Timer 1)


Basler A500k 3-21

3.3.4.2 Free-run Mode with Synchronous / Asynchronous Timing
Figure 3-20: Free-run, Programmable Mode - Exposure Start with Frame Valid High, Exposure Stop with Frame Valid Low

If the exposure starts when Frame Valid is high and ends while Frame Valid is low (see Table forvalues n to z):

• The actual start of exposure can be x µs later than the falling of the internal control signal.• Actual length of exposure time = n - y µs + z µs

A504k/kc A501k/kc

n exposure set by Timer 1

x 1 µs to 3 µs 7.2 µs to 20.2 µs

y < 1 µs < 0.8 µs

z < 1 µs < 0.2 µs

3-22 Basler A500k

3.3.4.3 Free-run Mode with Synchronous Timing 1
Figure 3-21: Free-run, Programmable Mode - Exposure Start and Stop with Frame Valid High


• The actual start of exposure can be x µs later than the falling of the internal control signal.• Actual length of exposure time = n - y + z


A504k/kc A501k/kc


x 1 µs to 3 µs 6.9 µs to 20.2 µs

y ≤ 2 µs ≤ 5 µs

z ≤ 2 µs ≤ 5 µs

w 2 µs 13.2 µs

Basler A500k 3-23

3.3.4.4 Free-run Mode with Synchronous Timing 2
Figure 3-22:Free-run, Programmable Mode - Exposure Start and Stop with Frame Valid High


• Actual length of exposure time = n - x + y

The actual length of exposure time can only occur in multiples of z µs.

A504k/kc A501k/kc


x ≤ 2 µs ≤ 7 µs

y ≤ 2 µs ≤ 7 µs

z 2 µs 13.2 µs

3-24 Basler A500k

3.3.5 Free-run VGA Mode (A504k/kc Only)
Figure 3-23: Free-run VGA Mode

Effective exposure = n - 15.8 µs ... n + 15.8 µs (n = exposure set by Timer 1)

Effective exposure time can only occur in multiples of 15.8 µs.

Timer 1 must be set to a minimum of 10 µs and to a maximum of 16645 µs.

With very low exposures, use flash light.

Basler A500k 3-25

3.4 Long Exposure Compensation (A504k/kc Only)
The long exposurecompensation value can be setto optimize image quality. Thelonger the exposure time, thehigher the long exposurecompensation needs to be. Thelong exposure compensationvalue determines the resetvoltage which is applied to thepixels between two images toachieve full and uniformdischarge.

If the long exposure compen-sation is too low at a long expo-sure time, the image showsphoto response non-uniformity(PRNU).

If the long exposure compensation is too high at a short exposure time, the dynamic range andthe sensitivity are reduced.

Set the long exposure compensation manually according to the following formula or according toTable 3-1:

1997 ≤ exposure time ≤ 20000: Long Exposure Compensation = ( Timer1 - 1997 ) * ( 90 / 18003 ) + 70

(rounded to the next integer value)

You can set long exposure compensation using either the Camera Configuration Tool Plus (seeSection 4.1) or binary commands (see Section 4.2).

Exposure time* [µs] Long exposure Commpensation

20000 160

15000 135

10000 110

8000 100

4000 80

2000 70

Timer 1 determines the exposure time in programmable and free-run mode. The exposure time is determined by ExSync in edge-controlled and level-controlled mode.

Table 3-1: Long Exposure Compensation Sample Values

Figure 3-24: Long Exposure Compensation

3-26 Basler A500k

3.5 Max Exposure Time at Max Speed (A504k/kc
Only)In many applications, cameras are operated at maximum speed and at maximum exposure time.To obtain a reliable timing for frame read-out in Synchronous Timing 2, follow the setuprecommendations described in this section. This recommendation applies to level-controlled,programmable, free-run VGA and free-run, programmable exposure time control modes. It isirrelevant for edge-controlled mode.

In free-run mode, the frame rate is equal to 1 divided by (Timer 1 plus Timer 2). In other modes,the frame rate is equal to 1 divided by (ExSync high time plus ExSync low time).

For maximum exposure, Timer 2 must always be set to 3 µs in free-run and programmable mode.In level-controlled mode, the ExSync high time must always be set to 5 µs.

With these values, the exposure time can be calculated. To achieve a reliable SynchronousTiming 2 at full frame rate, however, we recommend that you use the calculated exposure timeminus 1µs.

Example for free-run mode

The aim is to achieve a maximum frame rate of 500 fps at full AOI.

To achieve a maximum frame rate of 500 fps at full AOI, Timer 1 must be set to 1996 µs.

Table 3-2 shows the maximum recommended Timer 1 and ExSync low time values for differentmaximum frame rates at different AOI Height values. Timer 2 is assumed to be 3 µs, the ExSynchigh time 5 µs.

Max. Frames Per Second AOI Height Timer 1 [µs]Programmable, Free-run

ExSync Low Time [µs]Level-controlled

500 1024 1996 1994

1000 512 996 994

2000 256 496 494

4000 128 246 244

8000 64 121 119

16000 32 58 56

Table 3-2: Recommended Max Exposure Time at Max Speed

Timer 1 1frame rate--------------------------- Timer 2– 1µs–=

Timer 1 1500---------- 3µs– 1µs–=

Basler A500k 3-27

3.6 Color Creation in the A504kc and A501kc
The CMOS sensor used in the color version of the camera is equipped with an additive colorseparation filter. With the color filter, each individual pixel is covered by a micro-lens which allowslight of only one color to strike the pixel. The pattern of the color filter is shown in Figure 3-25. Asthe figure illustrates, in each block of four pixels, one pixel is struck by red light, one is struck byblue light and two pixels are struck by green light.

Since each individual pixel gathers information on only one color, an interpolation must be madefrom the surrounding pixels to get full RGB data for the pixel. A DLL that can be used to convertthe output from the color camera into RGB color information is available through Basler support.

Figure 3-25: Bayer Filter Pattern

The pattern used in the A504kc and the A501kc is that of the Bayer Filter. The firstline, however, is different: it starts with GR and not with BG.

IR Cut Filter

In applications using the normal range of visible light we recommend that you plugan IR cut filter in front of your F-mount lens.

3-28 Basler A500k

3.7 Gain and Offset
The major components in the A500k electronicsinclude: a CMOS sensor, which includes 1024 ADCs(Analog to Digital Converters), and a digital shifter.

The pixels in the CMOS sensor output voltage signalswhen they are exposed to light. After readout of thepixel voltage, an offset is added to each voltage. Thevoltages are then transferred to the ADCs whichconvert the voltages to digital output signals. The ADCreference is used to set the gain, but only in a smallrange. The 10 bit data from the ADCs in the sensorenters the digital shifter in the camera electronicswhere the 8 bits to be output are selected from the 10bits output by the sensor.

As shown in Figures 3-26 and 3-27, the gain is increased or decreased by decreasing orincreasing the ADC reference. Increasing or decreasing the offset moves the input signal up ordown the measurement scale but does not change the signal amplitude.

For most applications, black should have a gray valueof 1 and white should have a gray value of 254.Attempt to achieve this by varying exposure andillumination rather than changing the camera’s gain.The default gain (gain register = 98) is the optimaloperating point (minimum noise) and should be used ifpossible.

The gain can either be changed via the correspondingADC reference which can be set in the gain register, orby selecting different bits in the digital shifter.

In order to obtain a higher gain factor of up to 8, use the digital shift in combination with the gainregister (for an explanation of the digital shifter, see section 3.8.).

You can set the gain and offset using either the Camera Configuration Tool Plus (see Section 4.1)or binary commands (see Section 4.2).

Raising the gain via the ADC referencehas the consequence that noise is in-creased so that the signal-to-noise ratiodecreases. In addition, missing codesmay degrade the image quality severely.We recommend that you do not changethe gain via the ADC reference. The de-fault gain register setting is 98.

Figure 3-26:

Figure 3-27: Offset

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3.7.1 Gain Settings in More DetailThe optical gain Gopt is the digital number value (DN) that the camera outputs after an exposurewith the amount of light of 1 Lux per second. For this camera, the optical gain can be calculatedas follows (formula based on data from sensor data sheet):
If you know the optical amplification you want to achieve, and need to know the Gain registersetting, use the following formula (data based on sensor data sheet):

Some sample values calculated with these formula are listed below:

• If the Gain register is set to 98 (recommended), the optical gain Gopt is 400 DN / lx s (if dig-ital shift = 0). Gopt can vary slightly between different cameras.

• If the Gain register is set to 196, the optical gain Gopt is 800 DN / lx s (if digital shift = 0).Gopt can vary between different cameras. The value corresponds to a gain factor of twocompared to the gain achieved with a gain register setting of 98. This is the maximum gainwe recommend.

With a digital shift of 1, the optical gain must be multiplied by 2. With a digital shift of 2, the opticalgain must be multiplied by 4. See section 3.8.

3.7.2 Offset Settings in More DetailThe offset can be trimmed in two directions by using either the OfsPos register that moves theoffset up, or by using the OfsNeg register that moves the offset down. If you move the offset down,set the OfsPos register to 0. If you move the offset up, set the OfsNeg register to 0.

Note that the calculated values are typical values which can vary slightly betweendifferent cameras.

If the gain you selected is too high, the image will show pixelwise/columnwise miss-ing codes. We recommend that you do not use gain register values higher than 196.If youwish to increase the gain further, select the next higher digital shift value andreset the gain register value to 98.

If the gain you selected is too low, the image will show pixel saturation.

Gopt 1.6 DN / lx s0.006 0.0000203125 Gain×–------------------------------------------------------------------------------=

Gain register 295.38 1.6 DN / lx s0.0000203125 Gopt×---------------------------------------------------------–=

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3.8 Digital Shift
The “digital shift” feature allows you to change the group of bits that is output from the ADC. Usingthe digital shift feature will effectively multiply the output of the CMOS sensor by 2 times, 4 timesor 8 times. Section 3.8.1 describes how digital shift works.

You can set digital shift using either the Camera Configuration Tool Plus (see Section 4.1) orbinary commands (see Section 4.2).

3.8.1 How Digital Shift Works

No ShiftAs mentioned in Section 3.1, the A500k uses 10 bitADCs to digitize the output from the CMOS sensor. Thecamera drops the least two significant bits from theADC and transmits the 8 most significant bits (bit 9through bit 2).

Shift OnceWhen the camera is set to shift once, the output fromthe camera will include bit 8 through bit 1 from theADC.

The result of shifting once is that the output of thecamera is effectively doubled. For example, assumethat the camera is set for no shift, that it is viewing auniform white target and that under these conditionsthe reading for the brightest pixel is 20. If we changedthe digital shift setting to shift once, the reading wouldincrease to 40.

Note that if bit 9 is set to 1, all of the other bits will automatically be set to 1. Thismeans that you should only use the shift once setting when your pixel readings withno digital shift are all below 128.

Basler A500k 3-31

Shift TwiceWhen the camera is set to shift twice, the output fromthe camera will include bit 7 through bit 0 from theADC.
The result of shifting twice is that the output of thecamera is effectively multiplied by four. For example,assume that the camera is set for no shift, that it isviewing a uniform white target, and that under theseconditions the reading for the brightest pixel is 20. Ifwe changed the digital shift setting to shift twice, thereading would increase to 80.

Shift Three TimesWhen the camera is set to shift three times, theoutput from the camera will include bit 6 throughbit 0 from each ADC along with a zero as theLSB.

The result of shifting three times is that the outputof the camera is effectively multiplied by eight.For example, assume that the camera is set forno shift, that it is viewing a uniform white targetand that under these conditions the reading forthe brightest pixel is 20. If you changed the digitalshift setting to shift three times, the reading wouldincrease to 160.

Note that if bit 9 or bit 8 is set to 1, all of the other bits will automatically be set to 1.This means that you should only use the shift twice setting when your pixel readingswith no digital shift are all below 64.

Note that if bit 9, bit 8 or bit 7 is set to 1, all of the other bits will automatically be setto 1. This means that you should only use the shift three times setting when yourpixel readings with no digital shift are all below 32.

Since the shift three times setting requires that the least significant bit always be 0,no odd gray values can be output. In this case, the gray value scale will only includegray values of two, four, six and so forth.

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3.8.2 Precautions When Using Digital ShiftThere are several checks and precautions that you must follow before using the digital shiftfeature.
Make this check:

1. Use the binary commands or the CCT+ to set the camera for no digital shift.2. Check the output of the camera under your normal lighting conditions with no digital shift and

note the readings for the brightest pixels.• If any of the readings are above 128, do not use digital shift.• If all of the readings are below 128, you can safely use the 2X digital shift setting.• If all of the readings are below 64, you can safely use the 2X or 4X digital shift setting.

Basler A500k 3-33

3.9 Area of Interest
The area of interest feature allows you to specify a portion of the CMOS array and duringoperation, only the pixel information from the specified portion is transferred out of the camera.

The size of the area of interest is defined by declaring a starting column, a width in columns, astarting line and a height in lines. Columns can only be chosen in multiples of 10 due to the waythe data is output of the sensor (see Figure 3-1). For example, suppose that you specify thestarting column as 11, the width in columns as 20, the starting line as 8 and the height in lines as10. As shown in Figure 3-28, the camera will only transmit pixel data from within the defined area.

Information from the pixels outside of the area of interest is discarded.

Figure 3-28: Area of Interest

You can set the area of interest using either the Camera Configuration Tool Plus (see Section 4.1)or binary commands (see Section 4.2). You use the Area of Interest Starting Column, Area ofInterest Width in Columns, Area of Interest Starting Line and Area of Interest Height in Linescommands.

Note that the binary commands start to count at 0.

Due to the video output, columns can only be selected in multiples of 10, that means from column 1 to column10, column 11 to column 20, column 21 to column 30 and so on.

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3.9.1 Changes to the Maximum Frame Rate with Area of InterestWhen the area of interest feature is used, the camera’s maximum achieveable frame rateincreases. The amount that the maximum frame rate increases depends on the number of linesincluded in the area of interest. The fewer the number of lines in the area of interest, the higherthe maximum frame rate. The maximum achieveable frame rate can be calculated using thefollowing formula:

Where: LI = the number of lines included in the area of interest

In normal operation, the camera is set to use all of the pixels in the array. To use allof the pixels, the starting column should be set to 1, the width in columns to 1280,the starting line to 1 and the height in lines to 1024.

The setting for the width in lines and for the starting column must be divisible by 10.The minimum width is 10.

The minimum height in lines is 2. The minimum starting line is 0.

The sum of the setting for the starting column plus the setting for the width in col-umns can not exceed 1281.

The sum of the setting for the starting line plus the setting for the height in lines cannot exceed 1025.

For a color camera, the setting for the height in lines and for the starting line mustbe divisible by two. The minimum height in lines is 2.

Maximum frames per second (approximated)1

LI x 2 µs----------------------=A504k/kc:

Maximum frames per second (approximated) 100 MHz1320 (LI + 1)×-------------------------------------------=A501k/kc:

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3.9.2 Dynamic Area of Interest (A504k/kc Only)Dynamic AOI is a useful feature for object tracking applications. It needs to be activated if youwant to displace the AOI position diagonally.
To show the usefulness of this feature, this section explains first what happens if you move theAOI diagonally with Dynamic AOI deactivated. When you change the AOI starting line register, thevalue becomes immediately active. As a result, the AOI shifts vertically in one of the next images.Since you can only write commands to the camera sequentially, you would enter the AOI startingcolumn register next. The value becomes active and the AOI shifts horizontally in one of the nextimages. Even if the commands are written immediately after one another, the image output is sofast that the commands will be realized separately in different images. Shifting the AOI positiondiagonally can only be achieved via an intermediate AOI position.

With Dynamic AOI activated, the AOI shifts diagonally without moving to an intermediate position.You enter the AOI values as follows:

1. You write the AOI Starting Line register. It does not yet become active.2. You write the AOI Starting Column register.

Now both values become active in the camera at the same time.

You can activate or deactivate Dynamic AOI using either the Camera Configuration Tool Plus (seeSection 4.1) or binary commands (see Section 4.2.4.13 ”Area of Interest Feature”).

3.9.3 Area of Interest Stamp (A504k/kc Only)A command sent to the camera will become active only after a short latency. At low frame rates,the command usually becomes active for the next image. At high frame rates, as for the A504k,you do not know on exactly which image the command will become active. This information isespecially required for tracking applications where the camera is operating at a high frame rateand the Area of Interest is changed frequently. Information about the selected AOI can bestamped into the image.

If the Area of Interest Stamp feature is activated, the stamp is applied to the last 10 pixels of thelast line, that is, the bottom right of every image. It replaces the image information for these pixels(1 Byte per pixel). The stamp contains the following information:

Frame Counter: 16 Bit counter. The counter is increased by one with each image and rangesfrom 0 to 65535. After 65535, the counter restarts at 0. The counter can not be reset.

AOI Width and AOI Height are not affected by Dynamic AOI.

Pixel0high byte

Pixel1low byte

Pixel2high byte

Pixel3low byte

Pixel4high byte

Pixel5low byte

Pixel6high byte

Pixel7low byte

Pixel8high byte

Pixel9low byte

Frame Counter AOI Starting Column

AOI Width AOI Starting Line AOI Height

Table 3-3: AOI Stamp Structure

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AOI Starting Column, AOI Width, AOI Starting Line, AOI Height: The values come directlyfrom the AOI registers of the camera. The AOI values are located right-justified in each 16 Bitstamp. Unused Bits are set to 0.
You can activate or deactivate the Area of Interest Stamp using either the Camera ConfigurationTool Plus (see Section 4.1) or binary commands (see Section 4.2.4.13 ”Area of Interest Feature”).

3.9.4 Area of Interest with the VGA Monitor Output (A504k/kc only)

In the VGA exposure mode, 1280 x 960pixels of the image are scaled down to 640x 480 pixels. These always transferred viathe VGA monitor output, even if a smallerarea of interest is selected. If an area ofinterest is set, the pixels inside the area ofinterest display an image. The pixelsoutside the area of interest are black.

Via the Camera Link output, only the pixelsinside the area of interest are transferred.

The stamp is not applied

• if a test image is active, or • if the exposure mode is set to free-run,VGA.

In VGA exposure mode, themaximum frame rate remains60 fps (frames per second),regardless of the area of in-terest selected.

area of interestblackpixels

Figure 3-29: Area of interest with VGA monitor output

Basler A500k 3-37

3.10 Test Images
The test image mode is used to check the camera’s basic functionality and its ability to transmitan image via the video data cable. The test image can be used for service purposes and for failurediagnostics. In test mode, the image is generated with a software program and the camera’s digitaldevices and does not use the optics, CMOS sensor, or ADCs.

You can put the camera in test image mode using either the Camera Configuration Tool Plus (seeSection 4.1) or binary commands (see Section 4.2). You use Test Image command.

There are four test images:

• a gray scale test image• a color test image (A504kc and A501kc only)• a running line test image• a white screen test image

If the camera is set for an exposure mode that uses an ExSync signal, an ExSync signal isrequired to output the test image. If the camera is set for free-run, each cycle of the camera’sinternal sync signal will trigger the output of a test image.

When one of the test images is active, the gain, offset and exposure time have noeffect on the image.

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3.10.1 Gray Scale Test ImageThe gray scale test image consists of lines withrepeated gray scale gradients ranging from 0 to255. The first line starts with a gray value of 0 onthe first pixel, in the second line the first pixelhas a gray value of 1, in the third line the firstpixel has a gray value of 2, and so on.
The mathematical expression for the test imageis: gray level = [x + y] MOD 256. This expressionis shown graphically in Figure 3-31.

Figure 3-31: Formation of Monochrome Test Image

3.10.2 Color Test Image (A504kc and A501kc Only)The color test image is similar to the grayscale test image, except that the firstgray scale stripe is red, the secondgreen, the third blue, the fourth white,the fifth red again.

Figure 3-30: Test Image


red green blue white red

red

green

blue

white red

green

blue

white

Basler A500k 3-39


Figure 3-33: Formation of Color Test Image (The First Line Is Shown)

3.10.3 Running Line Test ImageThis test image mode tests frame capture. Ablack image has a white line with a height ofone pixel. This horizontal line moves down byone pixel after each frame.

3.10.4 White Screen Test ImageThis test image mode outputs a white screen.

The color test image is only displayed correctly if the pixels are sorted according tothe color pattern described in section 3.6.


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3.11 Configuration Sets
The camera’s adjustable parameters are stored inconfiguration sets and each configuration set containsall of the parameters needed to control the camera.There are three different types of configuration sets: theWork Set, the Factory Set and User Sets.

Work Set

The Work Set contains the current camera settings andthus determines the camera’s present performance,that is, what your image currently looks like. The WorkSet is stored in the camera RAM. The configurationparameters in the Work Set can be altered directlyusing the Camera Configuration Tool Plus or usingbinary programming commands.

Factory Set

When a camera is manufactured, a test set up is performed on the camera and an optimizedconfiguration is determined. The Factory Set contains the camera’s factory optimizedconfiguration. The Factory Set is stored in non-volatile memory on the EEPROM and can not bealtered.

User Sets

User Sets are also stored in the non-volatile EEPROM of the camera. The camera has 15 UserSets. Each User Set initially contains factory settings but User Sets can be modified. Modificationis accomplished by making changes to the Work Set and then copying the Work set into one ofthe User Sets. The Camera Configuration Tool Plus or binary commands can be used to copy theWork Set into one of the User Sets.

Startup Pointer

When power to the camera is switched off, the Work set in the RAM is lost. At the next power on,a configuration set is automatically copied into the Work Set. The Startup Pointer is used to specifywhich of the configuration sets stored in the EEPROM will be copied into the Work Set at poweron. The Startup Pointer is initially set so that the Factory Set is loaded into the Work Set at poweron. This can be changed using the Camera Configuration Tool Plus or binary commands. TheStartup Pointer can be set to the Factory Set or to any one of the User Sets. So, for example, ifthe Startup Pointer is set to User Set 13, then User Set 13 will be copied into the Work Set atPower on.

You can work with configuration sets and the startup pointer using either the CCT+ (see Section4.1 and the configuration tool’s on-line help file) or binary commands (see Section 4.2).

With the CCT+, you can use the Camera menu to copy the Work Set to a User Set, to Copy a UserSet or the Factory Set to the Work Set, or to set the Startup Pointer.

With binary commands you use the Copy Work Set to User Set command, the Copy Factory Setor User Set to Work Set command, and the Select Startup Pointer command to manipulateconfiguration sets.

Figure 3-35: Config Sets

Basler A500k 3-41

3.12 Camera Status
A500k cameras monitor their status by performing a regular series of self checks. The currentstatus of a camera can be viewed in several ways:

• with the camera configuration tool CCT+. You can use the Camera Status information in theCamera Information group (see Section 4.1 and the configuration tool’s on-line help).

• with binary commands (see Section 4.2). You can use the Camera Status command to see ifthe camera has detected any errors.

• by checking the LED on the back of the camera. If certain error conditions are present, theLED will blink (see Section 6.1).

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Configuring the CameraPRELIMINARY

4 Configuring the Camera

A500k cameras come factory-set so that they will work properly for most applications with minorchanges to the camera configuration. For normal operation, the following parameters are usuallyconfigured by the user:

• Exposure time control mode• Exposure time (for ExSync programmable mode or free-run programmable mode)• Long Exposure Compensation (A504k/kc only)

To customize operation for your particular application, the following parameters can also beconfigured:

• Gain• Offset• Digital Shift• Area of Interest• Dynamic Area of Interest• Area of Interest Stamp• Flash Trigger

The camera is programmable via the serial port. Two methods can be used to change thecamera’s settings. The first and easier approach is to change the settings using the CameraConfiguration Tool Plus (CCT+). See Section 4.1 for complete instructions on using theconfiguration tool. You can also change the settings directly from your application using binarycommands. Section 4.2 lists the commands and provides instructions for their use.

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Configuring the Camera PRELIMINARY
4.1 Configuring the Camera with the Camera
Configuration Tool Plus (CCT+)The camera configuration tool CCT+ is a Windows™ based program used to easily change thecamera’s settings. The tool communicates via the RS-644 serial connection in the Camera Linkinterface between the frame grabber and the camera. The tool automatically generates the binaryprogramming commands that are described in Section 4.2. For instructions on installing the tool,see the installation booklet that was shipped with the camera.

This manual assumes that you are familiar with Microsoft Windows and that you have a basicknowledge of how to use programs. If not, please refer to your Microsoft Windows manual.

4.1.1 Opening the Configuration Tool1. Make sure that the properties for the RS-644 serial port on your frame grabber are properly

configured and that the camera has power.2. To start the CCT+, click Start, click Basler Vision Technologies, and then click CCT+

(default installation).

During start-up, a start-up screen can be seen.

If start-up is successful, the tool will open. To familiarize yourself with using the tool, press theF1 key and look through the online help included with the tool.

If an error occurs, the tool is automatically closed after start-up. Refer to the CCT+ InstallationGuide for possible causes.

4.1.2 Closing the Configuration ToolClose the CCT+ by clicking on the button in the upper right corner of the window.

4-2 Basler A500k

4.1.3 Configuration Tool BasicsThe RAM memory in the camera contains the set of parameters that controls the current operationof the camera. This set of parameters is known as the Work Set (see Section 3.11). The CCT+ isused to view the present settings for the parameters in the Work Set or to change the settings.
When the CCT+ is opened and a port isselected, it queries the camera anddisplays a list of the current settings forthe parameters in the Work Set.

To simplify navigation, parameters areorganized in related groups. Forexample, all parameters related to thecamera output can be found in theOutput group.

When you click on the plus or minus signbeside a group (+ or -), the parameters inthis group will be shown or hidden,respectively.

To get an overview of all parametersavailable on the connected camera,maximize the CCT+ window and click the+ sign beside each group.

The camera parameter names always appear in the left column of the list. The current setting foreach parameter appears in the right column.

By default, a Parameter Description window is displayed. In this window, you can find basicinformation on the selected parameter and if present, on the dependencies that may existbetween the selected parameter and other parameter(s).

If you make a change to one of the settings, that change will instantly be transmitted from theCCT+ to the camera’s Work Set. Because the parameters in the Work Set control the currentoperation of the camera, you will see an immediate change in the camera’s operation.

By default, the CCT+ automatically updates the displayed settings every 5 seconds. The featurebehind this behavior is called Auto Refresh. If Auto Refresh is not enabled, the display will notupdate when a camera setting is changed using another tool, when power to the camera isswitched off and on, or when the connected camera is exchanged while the CCT+ is displayingthe camera settings. To manually refresh the display, you can use the Refresh button in the topright corner of the tool.

Keep in mind that the Work Set is stored in a volatile memory. Any changes youmake to the Work Set using the configuration tool will be lost when the camera isswitched off. To save changes you make to the Work Set, save the modified WorkSet into one of the camera’s 15 User Sets. The User Sets are stored in non-volatilememory and will not be lost when the camera is switched off (see Section 3.11).

Alternatively, you can also save the Work Set to the hard disk of your computer andload it from hard disk.

If you want your changes to be loaded into the Work Set at the next power on, setthe Startup Pointer to the User Set where you saved your changes.

Figure 4-1: Exposure Group

Basler A500k 4-3

4.1.4 Configuration Tool HelpThe CCT+ includes a complete on-line help file which explains how to change a setting or to copythe Work Set to a User Set, to Copy a User Set or the Factory Set to the Work Set, or to set theStartup Pointer. To access on-line help, press the F1 key whenever the configuration tool is active.
4-4 Basler A500k

4.2 Configuring the Camera with Binary
Programming CommandsConfiguration commands can be issued to the A500k via the RS-644 serial connection in theCamera Link interface between the frame grabber and the camera. Commands are issued usinga binary protocol. With this protocol, data is placed into a frame and sent to the camera. Once thedata is received it is checked for validity. If valid, the data is extracted and the command isexecuted.

If the command issued to the camera was a read command, the camera will respond by placingthe requested data into a frame and sending it to the host computer.

A standard application programmer’s interface (API) for asynchronous serial reading and writingvia the RS-644 port on the frame grabber has been defined in the Camera Link standard(Appendix B, API Functions). All Camera Link compatible frame grabbers provide a softwarelibrary (.dll file) named clser***.dll where *** is specific to the frame grabber vendor. There are fourfunctions within that DLL:

• ISerialInit - Initialize the serial communication for a specific board.• clSerialRead - Read bytes from the camera.• clSerialWrite - Write bytes to the camera.• clSerialClose - Close the serial communication.

To execute the binary programming commands, you can load the DLL for the frame grabber youare using into your programming tool. You can use either the API from the DLL delivered with thegrabber or the Basler CPA driver for executing the binary commands.

The Basler CPA (Camera Port Access) is a software framework which standardizes access to thecamera ports via frame grabbers from different vendors. With the help of the Basler CPA driver,you can read and write blocks of data to and from the camera. The binary command protocol isfully implemented in the CPA driver.

The CPA driver and a Programmers Guide for the driver are both part of Basler’s Classic CameraConfiguration Tool. The Classic Configuration Tool can be downloaded from the Basler web siteat www.basler-vc.com.

The Basler Camera Configuration Tool is available in two versions: the Classic Cam-era Configuration Tool (Classic CCT) and the Camera Configuration Tool Plus(CCT+). The CPA driver and its Programmer’s Guide are only included with theClassic CCT.

The A500k will only work with the CCT+ version of the configuration tool. If you wantto use the configuration tool with an A500k, you must download and install the CCT+version and you must use the CCT+ to access the camera.

If you would also like to use the CPA driver, you should download and install theClassic CCT. Once the Classic CCT is installed, you should check the pathC:\Program Files\Basler\Camera Config Tool\Cpa. The Cpa folder willcontain the files you need to work with the driver.

If you are using your camera with an optional Basler Interface Converter (k-BIC), youcan configure the camera via the RS-232 serial connection between your PC andthe k-BIC. The k-BIC is only available for the A501k/kc.

Basler A500k 4-5


4.2.1 Command Frame and Response Format

Figure 4-2: Representation of a Command Frame and Response

STX Identifies the start of the frame textSize = 1 Byte(The value of the STX byte is always 0x02)

DESC DescriptorSize = 2 BytesThe bits in the descriptor are assigned as follows:

The MSB of the descriptor is on the left (highest bit of the command ID) and the LSB of the descriptor is on the right (lowest bit of the data length).

DATA Data fieldSize = Number of bytes indicated in the Data Length portion of the descriptor.

BCC Block check characterSize = 1 ByteThe block check character is the exclusive-or sum (XOR sum) of the bytes in thedescriptor field and the data field.

ETX Identifies the end of the frame text Size = 1 Byte(The value of the ETX byte is always 0x03)

8 bits 1 bit 7 bits

Command ID Read/Write Flag( 0 = write, 1 = read )

Data Length(in Bytes)

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ACK/NAK Response Positive frame acknowledge/negative frame acknowledgeSize = 1 byte(The value for a positive frame acknowledgement is 0x06 and for anegative frame acknowledgement is 0x15.)

4.2.2 Error Checking

4.2.2.1 ACK/NAKWhen the camera receives a frame, it checks the order of the bytes in the frame and checks tosee if the XOR sum of the bytes in the descriptor and the data fields matches the block checkcharacter. The camera also checks to see if the number of bytes in the data field is equal to thenumber specified in the descriptor.

If all checks are correct, an ACK is send to the host. If any check is incorrect, a NAK is sent.

4.2.2.2 Time-outsByte Time-out

The camera checks the time between the receipt of each byte in the frame. If the time betweenany two bytes exceeds 1 second, the camera enters a “garbage state” and discards any moreincoming bytes. The camera remains in this state until it sees 1.5 seconds of silence. Once thecamera sees 1.5 seconds of silence, it goes into an idle state (looking for an STX).

4.2.2.3 Read CommandIn the normal case, when a read command is sent to the camera, the camera responds with anACK and a frame. The frame will contain the data requested in the read command.

If the camera receives a read command with an unknown command ID in the descriptor, it willrespond with an ACK but will not send a frame.

If the host sends a read command and gets no ACK/NAK, the host can assume that no camera ispresent.

If the host sends a read command and gets an ACK/NAK but does not receive a frame within 500ms, the host can assume that there was a problem with the read command.

All values are formatted as little endian (Intel format).

Basler A500k 4-7

4.2.2.4 Write CommandIn the normal case, when a write command is sent to the camera, the camera responds with anACK.
If the camera receives a write command with an unknown command ID in the descriptor, it willrespond with an ACK but will not perform the write.

After a write command has been issued by the host, the host can verify the write by issuing acorresponding read command and checking that the returned data is as expected. The host canalso issue a camera status read command (see Section 4.2.8) and check the returned data to seeif an error condition has been detected.

For many of the write commands listed in the Tables on pages 5-4-11 through 5-4-29, only data within a specified range or a specified group of values is valid. Thecamera does not perform a check to see if the data in the write command is withinthe allowed range or specified group of allowed values.

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4.2.3 Example Commands
4.2.3.1 Read commandAn example of the command message used to read the camera status is:

0x02, 0x43, 0x82, 0xC1, 0x03

0x02 - is the STX. The STX is always 0x02.

0x43 - is the first byte of the descriptor. The first byte of the descriptor is the command ID.Command IDs can be found in the tables on pages 4-11 through 4-30. If you check thetable on page 4-28, you will find that the ID for the camera status read command is0x43.

0x82 - is the second byte of the descriptor. The MSB in this byte represents the read/writeflag and since this is a read command, the bit should be set to a 1. The other sevenbits of this byte represent the data size (in bytes) that will be transferred using thiscommand. If you check the table on page 4-28, the data size for the camera statuscommand is 2 bytes. So the arrangement of the bits in the second byte of thedescriptor should be 1000 0010 which translates to 0x82.

Note that for read commands, the data size specified in the descriptor represents thenumber of bytes of data that you expect to see in the response. No data bytes areactually included in the read command.

0xC1 - is the block check character (BCC). See page 4-10 for instructions on calculating aBCC.

0x03 - is the ETX. The ETX is always 0x03.

4.2.3.2 Write CommandAn example of the command message used to copy the Work Set into User Set 2 is:

0x02, 0x46, 0x01, 0x02, 0x45, 0x03

0x02 - is the STX. The STX is always 0x02.

0x46 - is the first byte of the descriptor. If you check the table on page 4-26, you will find thatthe ID for the command to copy the Work Set into a User Set is 0x46.

0x01 - is the second byte of the descriptor. The MSB in this byte represents the read/writeflag and since this is a write command, the bit should be set to a 0. The other sevenbits of this byte represent the data size (in bytes) that will be transferred using thiscommand. If you check the table on page 4-26, the data size for the copy Work Set toUser Set command is 1 byte. So the arrangement of the bits in the second byte of thedescriptor should be 0000 0001 which translates to 0x01.

0x02 - is the data byte. If you check the table on page 4-26, you will find that to copy the WorkSet to User Set 2, the data byte must be set to 0x02.

0x45 - is the block check character (BCC). See page 4-10 for instructions on calculating aBCC.

0x03 - is the ETX. The ETX is always 0x03.

Basler A500k 4-9

4.2.3.3 Calculating the Block Check CharacterThe block check character in any A500k command is the exclusive-or sum (XOR sum) of the bytesin the descriptor and the data fields. For the write command example shown in Section 4.2.3.2,the block check character is 0x45. Let’s consider at how this block check character wascalculated.
In this case, we must find the XOR sum of three bytes. This is done by finding the XOR sum ofthe first two bytes and then by taking the result and finding the XOR sum of the result plus the thirdbyte.

Calculating XOR sums is most easily understood when numbers are shown in their binary form,so in the example calculations shown below, the hexadecimal digits in our command have beenconverted to binary.

To find the XOR sum of two binary numbers, you add the two digits in each column using thefollowing rules:

If both digits are 0, the result is 0.

If both digits are 1, the result is 0.

If one of the digits is a 1 and the other is a 0, the result is 1.

With all of this in mind, here is how the check digit for the write command shown in Section 4.2.3.2would be calculated:

0 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 = the binary representation of 0x46


0 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 = the XOR sum of the first two bytes

0 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 = The XOR sum of the first two bytes


0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 = The XOR sum

0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 = 0x45 = the block check character

4-10 Basler A500k

4.2.4 Commands for Setting Camera Parameters
4.2.4.1 Exposure Time Control Mode

Purpose: To set the exposure time control mode or to read the current exposure time control modesetting. See Section 3.2 for an explanation of exposure time control modes.

Type: This is a read or write command.

Read Command: Cmd-ID R/W-Flag Data Length Data0xA0 1 1 -

Response: Cmd-ID R/W-Flag Data Length Data0xA0 0 1 1 Byte

Write Command: Cmd-ID R/W-Flag Data Length Data0xA0 0 1 1 Byte

Response: None

Data Format: Byte 1 An ID that specifies the exposure mode(see the table below).

ID Exposure Time Control Mode0x00 Free-run, Programmable

0x04 ExSync, Level-controlled

0x05 ExSync, Programmable

0x06 ExSync, Edge-controlled

0x08 Free-run, VGA (A504k/kc only)

Basler A500k 4-11

4.2.4.2 Timer 1
4.2.4.3 Timer 2

Purpose: To set Timer 1 or to read the current Timer 1 setting. Timer 1 is used when the camera isoperating in ExSync programmable mode or in free-run mode. See Section 3.2 for details.



Response: Cmd-ID R/W-Flag Data Length Data0xA6 0 3 3 Bytes

Write Command: Cmd-ID R/W-Flag Data Length Data0xA6 0 3 3 Bytes

Response: None

Data Format: Byte 1 Low byte of the Timer 1 setting

Byte 2 Mid byte of the Timer 1 setting

Byte 3 High byte of the Timer 1 setting

Data Range: The timer 1 setting can range from 0x00000A to 0xFFFFFF µs. Therecommended maximum value is 0x0080E8 (33ms).

Purpose: To set Timer 2 or read the current Timer 2 setting. Timer 2 is used when the camera isoperating in free-run mode. See Section 3.2 for details.





Response: None

Data Format: Byte 1 Low byte of the Timer 2 setting

Byte 2 Mid byte of the Timer 2 setting

Byte 3 High byte of the Timer 2 setting

Data Range: The timer 2 setting can range from 0x000003 to 0xFFFFFF µs.

4-12 Basler A500k


4.2.4.4 Long Exposure Compensation

Purpose: To set long exposure compensation or read the current long exposure compensationsetting. See Section 3.4 for details.


Read Command: Cmd-ID R/W-Flag Data Length Data0xBD 1 1 -

Response: Cmd-ID R/W-Flag Data Length Data0xBD 0 1 1 Byte

Write Command: Cmd-ID R/W-Flag Data Length Data0xBD 0 1 1 Byte

Response: None

Data Format: Byte 1 Low byte of the Long Exposure Compensation setting

Byte 2 High byte of the Long Exposure Compensation setting

Data Range: The Long Exposure Compensation setting can range from 0x46 to 0xA0.

Basler A500k 4-13

4.2.4.5 Gain
4.2.4.6 Negative Offset

Purpose: To set the gain (ADCref) or to read the current gain (ADCref) setting. See Section 3.7 formore information on gain.


Read Command: Cmd-ID R/W-Flag Data Length Data0x80 1 1 -

Response: Cmd-ID R/W-Flag Data Length Data0x80 0 1 1 Byte

Write Command: Cmd-ID R/W-Flag Data Length Data0x80 0 1 1 Byte

Response: None

Data Format: Byte 1 Gain setting

Data Range: The gain setting can range from 0x00 to 0xFF. See the restrictions describedin section 3.7.

Purpose: To set the negative offset or to read the current negative offset setting. If you use OfsNeg,set OfsPos to 0. See Section 3.7 for more information on offset.





Response: None

Data Format: Byte 1 Negative offset setting

Data Range: The negative offset setting can range from 0x00 to 0xFF

4-14 Basler A500k

4.2.4.7 Positive Offset
Purpose: To set the positive offset or to read the current positive offset setting. If you use OfsPos, setOfsNeg to 0. See Section 3.7 for more information on offset.





Response: None

Data Format: Byte 1 Negative offset setting

Data Range: The positive offset setting can range from 0x00 to 0xFF. Since the offset ismostly negative, we recommend to set this value to 0.

Basler A500k 4-15

4.2.4.8 Digital Shift
Purpose: To enable or disable digital shift. See Section 3.8 for an explanation of digital shift.





Response: None

Data Format: Byte 1 An ID that specifies the digital shift status(see the table below).

ID Digital Shift0x00 No digital shift

0x01 Digital shift once (multiplies output 2X)

0x02 Digital shift twice (multiplies output 4X)

0x03 Digital shift by three (multiplies output 8X)

See Section 3.8.2 for precautions that you must consider when using digital shift.

4-16 Basler A500k

4.2.4.9 Area of Interest Starting Column
4.2.4.10 Area of Interest Width in Columns

Purpose: To set the left starting column for the Area of Interest or to read the current starting columnsetting. See Section 3.9 for details.





Response: None

Data Format: Byte 1 Low byte of the starting pixel setting

Byte 2 High byte of the starting pixel setting

Data Range:The starting column can range from 0x0000 to 0x04F6. It can only be set in steps of 10.When you set column n using this command, the actual starting column will be n + 1. For example, if you set the starting column to 0 with this command, the actualstarting column =0 +1 =1.

Purpose: To set the width in columns for the Area of Interest or to read the current width setting. SeeSection 3.9 for details.


Read Command: Cmd-ID R/W-Flag Data Length Data0xAB 1 2 -

Response: Cmd-ID R/W-Flag Data Length Data0xAB 0 2 2 Bytes

Write Command: Cmd-ID R/W-Flag Data Length Data0xAB 0 2 2 Bytes

Response: None

Data Format: Byte 1 Low byte of the length in pixel setting

Byte 2 High byte of the length in pixel setting

Data Range: The width in columns can range from 0x000A to 0x0500. The width can onlybe set in steps of 10.

Basler A500k 4-17

4.2.4.11 Area of Interest Starting Line
4.2.4.12 Area of Interest Height in Lines

Purpose: To set the starting line for the Area of Interest or to read the current starting pixel setting.See Section 3.9 for details.





Response: None

Data Format: Byte 1 Low byte of the starting pixel setting

Byte 2 High byte of the starting pixel setting

Data Range: The starting line setting can range from 0x0000 to 0x03FF. For colorcameras, it can only be set in steps of 2. (Note that the starting pixel = n +1where n is the value of the starting pixel setting.)

Purpose: To set the height in lines for the Area of Interest or to read the current height setting. SeeSection 3.9 for details.


Read Command: Cmd-ID R/W-Flag Data Length Data0xAA 1 2 -

Response: Cmd-ID R/W-Flag Data Length Data0xAA 0 2 2 Bytes

Write Command: Cmd-ID R/W-Flag Data Length Data0xAA 0 2 2 Bytes

Response: None

Data Format: Byte 1 Low byte of the length in pixel setting

Byte 2 High byte of the length in pixel setting

Data Range: The height in lines setting can range from 0x0002 to 0x0400. For colorcameras, the height can only be set in steps of 2 starting at 0x0002.

4-18 Basler A500k

4.2.4.13 Area of Interest Feature
Purpose: To activate or deactivate the Area of Interest Stamp and Dynamic Area of Interest or to readthe settings. See Sections 3.9.3 and 3.9.2 for details.





Response: None

Data Format: Byte 1 An ID that specifies whether AOI Stamp and Dynamic AOI are acivated or deactivated (see the table below).

ID Setting0x00 AOI Stamp and Dynamic AOI deacti-

vated (standard mode)

0x40 AOI Stamp deactivated and Dynamic AOI activated

0x80 AOI Stamp activated and Dynamic AOI deactivated

0xC0 AOI Stamp and Dynamic AOI activated

Basler A500k 4-19

4.2.4.14 FlashCtrl: Flash Trigger Modes
Purpose: To set the flash trigger mode or to read the current flash trigger mode setting. See Sections2.1.4 and 2.5.7 for an explanation of flash trigger modes.


Read Command: Cmd-ID R/W-Flag Data Length Data0xAC 1 1 -

Response: Cmd-ID R/W-Flag Data Length Data0xAC 0 1 1 Byte

Write Command: Cmd-ID R/W-Flag Data Length Data0xAC 0 1 1 Byte

Response: None

Data Format: Byte 1 An ID that specifies the flash control mode(see the table below).

ID Flash Trigger Mode (standard TTL, push/pull driver)0x00 The FlashOut signal is always low

0x01 The FlashOut signal is high while the in-ternal exposure is active.

0x02 The FlashOut signal is high while the ExFlash signal from the framegrabber. is high

0x03 The FlashOut signal is always high

0x05 The FlashOut signal is low while the in-ternal exposure is active.

0x06 The FlashOut signal is low while the ExFlash signal from the framegrabber. is high

ID Advanced modes to combine with the upper modes: 0x10 Open collector or Low Side Switch, 5V max

0x20 High Side Switch 5V

To combine an advanced mode with a flash trigger mode, add the hexadeci-mal number of the advanced code and the one of the flash trigger mode to-gether.You can not select Low Side Switch and High Side Switch at the same time.

4-20 Basler A500k

4.2.5 Test Image Command
Purpose: To enable or disable a test image, and to select a test image. See Section 3.10 for anexplanation of the available test images.





Response: None

Data Format: Byte 1 An ID that specifies the test image (see the table below).

ID Test Image0x00 Image from sensor (standard mode)

0x01 Gray Gradient Test Image

0x02 Color Gradient Test Image (Bayer Pattern)

0x03 Running Line Test Image

0x04 White Screen Test Image

Basler A500k 4-21

4.2.6 Query Commands
4.2.6.1 Read Vendor Information

4.2.6.2 Read Model Information

4.2.6.3 Read Product ID

Purpose: To read the camera vendor’s name.

Type: This is a read only command.


Response: Cmd-ID R/W-Flag Data Length Data0x01 0 16 16 Bytes

Data Format: Zero terminated string if less than 16 bytes are needed for the vendorinformation. Unterminated string if all 16 bytes are needed.

Purpose: To read the camera’s model number.




Data Format: Zero terminated string if less than 16 bytes are needed for the modelinformation. Unterminated string if all 16 bytes are needed.

Purpose: To read the camera’s product ID number.




Data Format: Zero terminated string if less than 16 bytes are needed for the product IDinformation. Unterminated string if all 16 bytes are needed.

4-22 Basler A500k

4.2.6.4 Read Serial Number
4.2.6.5 Read Camera Version

4.2.6.6 Read EEPROM Firmware Version

Purpose: To read the camera’s serial number.




Data Format: Zero terminated string if less than 16 bytes are needed for the serial numberinformation. Unterminated string if all 16 bytes are needed.

Purpose: To read the camera version information.




Data Format: Byte 1 Low Byte of firmware version BCD coded

Byte 2 High Byte of firmware version BCD coded

Byte 3 Register Layout ID

Purpose: To read the EEPROM firmware version information.




Data Format: Byte 1 Low byte of firmware version BCD coded

Byte 2 High byte of firmware version BCD coded


Basler A500k 4-23

4.2.6.7 Read Microcontroller Firmware Version
4.2.6.8 Read FPGA Firmware Version

4.2.6.9 Read Temperature

Purpose: To read the microcontroller firmware version.







Purpose: To read the FPGA firmware version.







Purpose: To read the camera’s temperature. The temperature is measured on the inner PCB.




Data Format: The result is given in °C as 8 bit signed number.

4-24 Basler A500k

4.2.7 Commands for Manipulating Configuration Sets
4.2.7.1 Copy the Factory Set or the User set into the Work Set (Profile load)

Purpose: To copy the Factory Set or one of the 15 User Sets into the Work Set. See Section 3.11 foran explanation of configuration sets.

The write command will cause the selected set to be copied into the Work Set and the setwill become active immediately. Write commands greater than 0x0F will be ignored.

The read command returns the ID of the set that was last copied into the Work Set. (If nothinghas been copied to the Work Set since the last power up or reset, the read command willreturn the ID for “no active set.” This condition indicates that no valid Factory Set or User Setswere found. It will also cause the orange LED on the back of the camera to show six pulses.)





Response: None

Data Format: Byte 1 An ID that specifies the set.(see the table below).

Set ID Set0x00 Factory Set

0x01 User Set 1

0x02 User Set 2

0x03 User Set 3

0x04 User Set 4

0x05 User Set 5

0x06 User Set 6

0x07 User Set 7

0x08 User Set 8

0x09 User Set 9

0x0A User Set 10

0x0B User Set 11

0x0C User Set 12

0x0D User Set 13

0x0E User Set 14

0x0F User Set 15

0xFF No active set

Basler A500k 4-25

4.2.7.2 Copy the Work Set into a User Set (Profile save)
Purpose: To copy the Work Set into one of the 15 User Sets. See Section 3.11 for an explanation ofconfiguration sets.

Type: This is a write only command.


Response: None

Data Format: Byte 1 An ID that specifies the user set.(see the table below).

Set ID Set0x01 User Set 1

0x02 User Set 2

0x03 User Set 3

0x04 User Set 4

0x05 User Set 5

0x06 User Set 6

0x07 User Set 7

0x08 User Set 8

0x09 User Set 9

0x0A User Set 10

0x0B User Set 11

0x0C User Set 12

0x0D User Set 13

0x0E User Set 14

0x0F User Set 15

4-26 Basler A500k

4.2.7.3 Select the Startup Pointer (Profile startup)
Purpose: The Startup Pointer is used to tag the configuration set that will be copied into the Work Setat power on (see Section 3.11).

The write command is used to set the Startup Pointer to the Factory Set or to one of the UserSets.

The read command returns the Set ID for the current setting.





Response: None

Data Format: Byte 1 An ID that specifies the set.(see the table below).

Set ID Set0x00 Factory Set

0x01 User Set 1

0x02 User Set 2

0x03 User Set 3

0x04 User Set 4

0x05 User Set 5

0x06 User Set 6

0x07 User Set 7

0x08 User Set 8

0x09 User Set 9

0x0A User Set 10

0x0B User Set 11

0x0C User Set 12

0x0D User Set 13

0x0E User Set 14

0x0F User Set 15

Basler A500k 4-27

4.2.8 Camera Status Command
Purpose: The camera has been programmed to detect several error conditions. When an errorcondition is detected, a flag is set. The status command allows you to read the error flags.




Data Format: Byte 1 Each bit specifies an error condition (see table below).If a bit is set to 1, the error condition assigned to that bitis present. If the bit is set to 0, the error is not present.

Byte 2 Each bit specifies an error condition (see table below).If a bit is set to 1, the error condition assigned to that bit is present. If the bit is set to 0, the error is not present.

Byte 1Bit 0 No ExSync signal in the last 5 seconds

Bit 1 A reset has occurred.

Bit 2 The camera is unlocked

Bit 3 Reserved

Bit 4 Unknown command ID specified in a read or write command

Bit 5 A read or write command could not be executed; access denied

Bit 6 The length member of the last command does not matchthe defined length

Bit 7 Parameter error

Byte 2Bit 0 FPGA; general error

Bit 1 FPGA; no FPGA firmware available

Bit 2 No FPGA/ADC command list available

Bit 3 Error in FPGA/ADC command list item

Bit 4 User set is erroneous

Bit 5 Factory set is erroneous

Bit 6 EEPROM checksum error (this is a checksum used todetermine if the contents of the EEPROM are valid)

Bit 7 No EEPROM command list available

4-28 Basler A500k

4.2.9 Bitrate Command
Purpose: To set the bitrate of the serial communications link. The bitrate is changed immediately afterthe successful receipt of this command. (The default bitrate is 9600.)


Write Command: Cmd-ID R/W-Flag Data Length Data0x44 0 4 4 Bytes

Response: None

Data Format: Byte 1 An ID that specifies the bitrate (see table below).

Byte 2 undefined - always write 0x00



ID Bitrate0x12 4800

0x13 9600

0x14 14400

0x15 19200

0x17 38400

0x19 57600

0x1A 76800

0x1B 115200

When changing the bitrate for serial communication, use the following procedure:

1. Issue the write command with the new bitrate.

2. Wait one second.

3. Change the bitrate on the serial port that the camera is using:

a) If you are using a Camera Link frame grabber, change the bit rate on theframe grabber’s RS-644 serial port.

b) If you are using the camera with a k-BIC, change the bit rate on your PC’sRS-232 serial port (A501k/kc only).

4. Restart the PC and the camera.

5. Resume communication.

Note: The RS-644 serial port on some Camera Link frame grabbers will only sup-port a bitrate of 9600. If you are using a Camera Link frame grabber, check thegrabber’s documentation before attempting to change the bitrate.

Basler A500k 4-29

4.2.10 Camera Reset Command
4.2.11 Power Control Command

Purpose: Initiates a camera reset. The behavior is similar to a power up reset.


Write Command: Cmd-ID R/W-Flag Data Length Data0x42 0 2 2 Bytes

Response: None

Data Format: Byte 1 Low byte 0xCF is always used

Byte 2 High byte 0x07 is always used

Purpose: To set the camera to standby mode or to fully functional mode. See section 2.9 on power uptime.





Response: None

Data Format: Byte 1 An ID that specifies the power mode (see the table below).

ID Power Mode0x00 Camera in standby

0x01 Camera fully functional

4-30 Basler A500k

Mechanical ConsiderationsPRELIMINARY

5 Mechanical Considerations

5.1 Camera Dimensions and Mounting FacilitiesThe A500k camera housing is manufactured with high precision. Planar, parallel, and angularsides guarantee precise mounting with high repeatability.

A500k cameras are equipped with four M4 mounting holes on the front and two M4 mounting holeson each side as indicated in Figure 5-1.

A tripod mount is availabe as an option. The Basler part number is 1000014110.

Caution!

To avoid collecting dust on the sensor, mount a lens on the camera immediatelyafter unpacking it.

Basler A500k 5-1

Mechanical Considerations PRELIMINARY

Figure 5-1: A500k Mechanical Dimensions (in mm)

Tolerances are typicalDrawings are not to scale

5-2 Basler A500k

Mechanical ConsiderationsPRELIMINARY
5.2 F-Mount Adapter Dimensions
Figure 5-2: F-Mount Adapter Dimensions (in mm)

Drawing is not to scale

Basler A500k 5-3

Mechanical Considerations PRELIMINARY
5.3 Positioning Accuracy of the Sensor Chip
Positioning accuracy of the sensor chip is as shown in Figure 5-3.

Since the translatory and rotational positioning tolerance depend on each other, the maximumrotational mis-positioning and the maximum horizontal/vertical mis-positioning cannot occur at thesame time.

Figure 5-3: Sensor Positioning Accuracy (in mm or degrees)

5-4 Basler A500k

TroubleshootingPRELIMINARY

6 Troubleshooting

Fault finding using the camera LED is described in section 6.1.

6.1 LEDA500k cameras regularly perform self tests. Detected errors are signaled by blinking of the LEDon the back of the camera. The number of pulses indicate the detected error. If several error statesare present, the LED outputs the error codes in succession.

See Table 6-1 for the description of the pulses and the error states.

LED Description

Orange and onContinuous

The camera has power and is OK.

3 pulses ExSync has not changed state for 5 seconds or longer. If you are not supplying an ExSync signal to the camera, this is a normal condition and should be ignored. Otherwise check the cable and the ExSync generating device.

5 pulses The Work Set could not be stored into a User set. Please contact Basler support.

6 pulses A User Set or the Factory Set could not be loaded into the Work Set. Please contact Basler support.

7 pulses A valid list of commands was not available.Please contact Basler support.

8 pulses The FPGA could not be configured. Please contact Basler Support

Table 6-1: Camera Status Indicators

Basler A500k 6-1

Troubleshooting PRELIMINARY
6.2 Troubleshooting Charts
The following pages contain several troubleshooting charts which can help you find the cause ofproblems that users sometimes encounter. The charts assume that you are familiar with thecamera’s features and settings and with the settings for your frame grabber. If you are not, wesuggest that you review the manuals for your camera and frame grabber before you troubleshoota problem.

6.2.1 No ImageUse this chart if you see no image at all when you attempt to capture an image with your framegrabber (in this situation, you will usually get a message from the frame grabber such as “time-out”). If you see a poor quality image, a completely black image, or a completely white image, usethe chart in Section 6.2.2.

Always switch off power to the system before making or breaking any connection.

Replace the power source

Yes

Connect the power source to the camera and then check the LED on the back of the camera.

Is the LED lit constantly?Use a voltmeter to check the power source for the camera. The output must be 12 VDC ± 1.2 V. Also, make sure that the power source meets the other

specs shown in Section 2.8.Is the power source OK?

No

The camera is not detecting an ExSync signal. Check the ExSync signal or set the camera for Free-

run mode (See Section 3.2.2).

Call Basler Technical Support for assistance. (The contact numbers appear on the title

page of this manual.)

No. It isblinking

3 pulses.

No. It isblinking

5, 6, 7 or 8pulses.

Replace the camera

No. It is always

out.

Yes

The power source can not supply enough current to operate the camera. Make sure that your

power source meets the specs shown in Section 2.8.

No. I see a fast blinking green light.


Yes

Use a voltmeter to check the power source for the camera. The output must be 12 VDC ± 1.2 V. Also, make sure that the

power source meets the other specs shown in Section 2.8.Is the power source OK?

No

6-2 Basler A500k


Check the setup on your frame grabber and make sure that the

ExSync signal is not too short. The period of the ExSync signal must be greater than 2 ms (A504k) or

13.2 ms (A501k).(On many frame grabbers, the period of the ExSync signal is

adjusted by changing a setting for the “frame rate”. Your frame rate

should not exceed 500 fps (A504k) or 74 fps (A501k).)

Yes

NoCorrect

the settings.

Check your exposure setting. The exposure time must be

less than the ExSync period.Is the exposure OK?

Switch on test image one.Can the test image be seen?

Correct the

setting.

Go to the interfacing

troubleshooting chart.

Replace the camera.

No

No

Yes

Are you controlling the camera with an ExSync signal or is the camera

in free-run?

ExSync signal.

Free-run.

CCT+

Check to make sure that:Timer 1 is set no lower than 10 µs.Timer 2 is set no lower than 3 µs.The sum of the Timer 1 setting plus the Timer 2 setting is greater than 2 ms (A504k) or 13.2 ms (A501k).

Are the settings OK?

NoCorrect

the settings.

Binary Commands

Did you set up free-run using the Exposure Time Control Mode setting on the CCT+ or with binary commands?

Yes

Yes

Switch on the test image one.Can the test image be seen?

Go to the interfacing

troubleshooting chart.

Replace the camera.

No

Yes

Check to make sure that the RS-644 serial connection is working OK. You can do this by starting the CCT+. When you start the tool, the camera settings should

appear in the right-hand column.(If this is the first time that you are starting the tool, no RS-644 port will be selected when starting the tool. Click the “No Port Selected“ button below the menu bar and

select the RS-644 port you wish to use. The settings should appear.)Did the camera settings appear?

Go to theRS-644serial

communications troubleshooting

chart.

No. The column is

blank.

Yes

Basler A500k 6-3

6.2.2 Poor Quality ImageUse this chart if the image is poor quality, is completely white, or is completely black. If you get no image atall when you attempt to capture an image with the frame grabber, use the chart that appears in Section6.2.1.
Use the CCT+ to set the camera for test image one. Use your frame grabber to capture an image and examine the image carefully. (Most frame grabbers include software

tools that allow you to see the individual values of each pixel in the image and histograms that display distributions of the pixel values in the image.)

The pixel values in your captured test image should be exactly as described in Section 3.10. Also, if you capture several test images, the pixel values should be the same in all

of the captured test images. Are the test images OK?

Contact Basler Technical Support. The contact numbers appear on the title page of this manual.Before you call for support, be sure to make note of the camera settings and the frame grabber settings you are using. You should also have a captured live image and a captured test image available. Technical support will

frequently request that you e-mail copies of these captured images.

Exit this chart.

Go to the interfacing troubleshooting chart.

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Use the CCT+ to copy the Factory Set to the Work Set. Take the camera out of test image mode and capture a

normal image. Is the problem still present?

One of the camera’s settings was significantly misadjusted. Review the camera manual to make sure that you

are setting the camera correctly.No

Images are too bright or too dark. Images look noisy. Other image problems.

Do the following:Make sure that the lens cap has been removed.Check the lens aperture. If the images are too dark, try opening the aperture. Try closing the aperture if they are too bright.Check the exposure time. If the images are too dark try increasing the exposure. Try decreasing the exposure if they are too bright.Check your light source. If the images are too dark, try increasing your light intensity. Try decreasing the intensity if they are too bright.Check your gain setting. If the images are too dark, try increasing the gain. Try decreasing the gain if they are too bright.Check the offset settings.Check the digital shift setting.

Has the problem been corrected?

Do the following:Make sure that you are using a DC light source. Using an AC light source can make images appear noisy.Make sure that the camera has proper ventilation. If the camera becomes extremely hot, it may produce noisy images.Check the exposure time. If you use an extremely long exposure time, the images can become noisy.Check your gain setting. Using a very low or a very high gain setting can cause noisy images.Examine the objects that you are imaging. Objects with characteristics such as changing surface texture or reflectance will produce images that appear noisy.Check the long exposure compensation setting.Check the digital shift setting.

Has the problem been corrected?

No

Exit this chart.

Yes No

6-4 Basler A500k

6.2.3 InterfacingUse the interfacing troubleshooting charts if you think that there is a problem with the cablesbetween your devices or if you have been directed here from another chart.
Interfacing Chart Always switch off power to the system before making or breaking any connection.

Reseat the cable connections at the camera and the frame grabber. After you reseated the connections, is the problem still present?


Yes

No

If extra hardware is available, try to locate the problem by substitution. (Substitute only one piece of hardware at a time and

retry the system after each substitution.)After you finished making substitutions, is the problem still present?

Exit this chart.

If you have not already done so, use a voltmeter to check the power source for the camera. The output must be 12 VDC ± 1.2 V. Also, make sure that the power source meets the other specs shown in Section 2.8.

Is the power source OK?

No

Yes

No Exit this chart.

Yes

Yes

No Exit this chart.

No Exit this chart.

Contact Basler Technical Support. The contact numbers appear on the title page of this manual. Before you call for support, be sure to make note of the camera settings and the frame grabber settings

you are using. You should also have a captured live image and a captured test image available. Technical support will frequently request that you e-mail copies of these captured images.

Yes

Check the DCF (configuration) file that you are using with your frame grabber. Make sure that it is the correct file for the Basler A501k. Be aware that sometimes different DCF files

must be used depending on which of the camera’s features you have enabled.DCF files for many types of frame grabbers are available at the Basler web site:

www.basler-vc.com. These files have all been tested with the A501k and we suggest that you use them if one is available for your type of frame grabber.

After you checked the DCF file, is the problem still present?

Check all of the cables in the system:Check Section 2.2 of this manual and make sure that you are using a cable that has the right characteristics and is not too long. It is extremely important to use the proper cables when you are working with Camera Link based cameras. Use an ohm meter to check each wire to see if it is broken or shorted to any of the other wires in the cable.

After you checked the cables, is the problem still present?

Basler A500k 6-5

6.2.4 RS-644 Serial CommunicationUse the serial communication troubleshooting charts if you think that there is a problem with RS-644 serialcommunication or if you have been directed here from another chart.
The RS-644 port used by the A500k is located on the frame grabber. Check the documentation for your frame grabber. Make sure that you have installed all software related to the port and that the port has the following settings:

8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit, and baud rate = 9600 bps.Is the port software installed and are the port settings correct?

Yes

Make corrections and then restart your computer.

No

Contact Basler Technical Support.The contact numbers appear on the title page of this manual.

Serial Communication Chart (without a k-BIC)

Always switch off power to the system before making or breaking any connection.

Exit this chart.

Start the CCT+ and select the port selector button below the menu bar. A list will show any RS-644 port(s) available on the frame

grabber. Click on an RS-644 port in the list.Do the camera settings appear in the right-side column?

The port is present but the CCT+ can not access the port. Make sure that no other program has access to the port.

Yes

Yes

Does a “This type of camera is not supported” message appear?

Yes

The RS-644 port is operating correctly. Exit this chart.

You may need to update the CCT+. To download the latest version of the tool, go to the Basler web site at

www.basler-vc.com.Once you have downloaded the latest version of the

tool, uninstall the old version of the tool from your computer and install the new version.

Start the CCT+, click the “No port selected“ button, and select an RS-644 port from the list.

Did you get the camera settings to appear?

No

Does a “Can‘t connect to the port because the port is in use” message appear?

No

Yes

No

No

The port is present and can be accessed but the camera is not responding. Make sure that:

The camera has power and that the power source meets the requirements in Section 2.8.You are using the correct data cable between you camera and the frame grabber (see Section 2.2).The wires in the data cable are continuous.The cable connections are firmly seated.

After you made these checks, is the problem still present?

No

Yes

6-6 Basler A500k

DRAFT
Revision History
Doc. ID Number Date Changes

DA00057001 14 Oct 2002 Initial release covering series production cameras.

DA00057002 07 Jan 2003 The A501kc color camera was added to the series.The high and low byte information was added to the AOI stamp.The AOI Stamp and Dynamic AOI register was renamed and is now called the AOI Feature register.

DA00057003 25 Jul 2003 Vibration, shock, and bump specifications were added.FVAL high time in Figure 2-7 and Figure 2-8 was corrected.Figure 2-5 and Table 2-6 were changed.The flash trigger output schematics for open collector and high side switch and explanation were added in Figure 2-4.The explanation on exposure modes in section 3.3 was improved.The minimum AOI height in lines was changed to 2.The responsivity of the sensor changed, and with it the explanation in section 1.3 and the formulas in section 3.7.1.A power supply recommendation was added to section 2.8.

DA00057004 2 December 2004 Marked several values in Table 1-1 as typical.In Section 5.3, added sensor horizontal and vertical position tolerances referenced to the sides of the camera.Added a Feedback section.

DA00057005 18 April 2005 Updated Figure 2-5 and Figure 2-6 in Section 2.3.Corrected flash trigger modes in section 4.2.4.14 (the ID for the flash trigger mode „Always high“ is 0x03 and not 0x04).Corrected Write Command and Data Format in Section 4.2.10 (the or-der of the data bytes have been inversed).

BASLER A500k i

DRAFT

ii BASLER A500k

FeedbackDRAFT
Feedback
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BASLER A500k iii

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Feedback DRAFT

iv BASLER A500k

IndexDRAFT
Index
Aarea of interest

explained . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-34setting with binary commands . . . . . . 4-17, 4-18with the SXGA monitor output . . . . . . . . . . 3-37

area of interest stampexplained . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-36setting with binary commands . . . . . . . . . . 4-19

asynchronous timing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7

Bbinary command frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6binary commands

error checking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6, 4-7examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9explained . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5read command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7timeouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7write command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8

bitratesetting with binary commands . . . . . . . . . . 4-29

block check charactercalculating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10defined . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6

block diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

Ccable

Camera Link . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8specification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8

camera configuration toolauto refresh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3closing the tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2opening the tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2parameter description window . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3refresh button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3selecting a port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3

Camera Link . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9implementation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9transmitter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9

cleaning the camera and sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7CMOS-sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1color creation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-28commands

see binary commandsconfiguration sets

explained . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-41manipulating with binary commands . 4-25, 4-26

configuration toolsee camera configuration tool

configuring the camerawith binary commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5with the config tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

conformity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

Ddata output mode

see video data output mode(s)digital responsivity

explained . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4spec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

digital shiftexplained . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-31setting with binary commands . . . . . . . . . . . 4-16

digital shifter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1dimensions

camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1F-mount adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3

DSNU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2dynamic area of interest

explained . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-36setting with binary commands . . . . . . . . . . . 4-19

Eedge-controlled exposure mode

explained . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4EEPROM firmware version

viewing with commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-23environmental requirements

camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6ExFlash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22ExFlash input signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12exposure time

relation to exp.time control modes . . . . 3-4–3-6exposure time control mode(s)

explained . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4–3-6setting with binary commands . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11

ExSync signalexplained . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12, 3-4

ExSync, level-controlled mode withasynchronous timing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9, 3-12ExSync, level-controlled mode withsynchronous timing 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10, 3-14ExSync, level-controlled mode withsynchronous timing 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11, 3-15ExSync, level-controlled mode withsynchronous/asynchronous timing . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13ExSync, progammable mode withsynchronous timing 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19ExSync, programmable mode withsynchronous timing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-16, 3-17ExSync, programmable mode withsynchronous timing 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-20ExSync, programmable mode withsynchronous/asynchronous timing . . . . . . . . . . . 3-18

BASLER A500k v

Index DRAFT
Ffactory set
copying to the work set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-25explained . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-41

fill factor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2firmware versions

reading with binary commands . . . . . . 4-23, 4-24flash trigger receptacle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6flash trigger signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22

explained . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22high side switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7, 4-20low side switch (open collector) . . . . . . 2-7, 4-20TTL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7, 4-20with binary commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-20

FlashCtrl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-20FlashCtrl register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-20FlashOut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22F-mount adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3FPGA firmware version

viewing with commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-24frame counter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-36frame rate

changes with area of interest . . . . . . . . . . . 3-35spec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

free-runexplained . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5setting with binary commands . . . . . . . . . . 4-11

free-run mode with asynchronous timing . . . . . 3-21free-run mode with synchronous / asynchronous timing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-22free-run mode with synchronous timing 1 . . . . . 3-23free-run mode with synchronous timing 2 . . . . . 3-24free-run SXGA mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-25free-run, programmable exposure mode

explained . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5free-run, SXGA mode

explained . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6functional description

camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

Ggain

explained . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-29setting with binary commands . . . . . . . . . . 4-14

Hhigh side switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7, 4-20humidity requirements

camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6

Iinput signals

to the camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12interfacing the camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1IR cut filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-28

Kk-BIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-24Kdrk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

LLED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1

on the camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-25level-controlled exposure mode

explained . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4line valid bit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13long exposure compensation

explained . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-26setting with binary commands . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13

low side switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7, 4-20

MMDR 26 Camera Link connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3model number

viewing with commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-22model tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4mounting facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1

Ooffset

explained . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-29offset, negative

setting with binary commands . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14offset, positive

setting with binary commands . . . . . . . . . . . 4-15open collector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7, 4-20output data rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2output mode

see video data output mode(s)output signals

from the camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13

Pphoto response non-uniformity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2pin assignments

camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3, 2-8pin numbering

camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3pixel clock

on the camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13pixel clock speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2pixel depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2pixel size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2positioning accuracy of the sensor chip . . . . . . . . 5-4power cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8power mode

with binary commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-30power plug . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6power requirements

camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3, 2-25

vi BASLER A500k

IndexDRAFT
precautions
camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7PRNU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2product ID

viewing with commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-22programmable exposure mode

explained . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5setting with binary commands . . . . . . . . . . 4-11

Qquantum efficiency

color . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5monochrome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

Rread command

error checking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9

resetting the camera with binary commands . . . 4-30responsivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4RS-644 serial connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-24

Ssensor architecture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2sensor imaging area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2sensor type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2serial communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-24serial connection

see RS-644 serial connectionserial number

viewing with binary commands . . . . . . . . . . 4-23shutter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2shutter efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2specifications

camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2spectral response

monochrome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4startup pointer

explained . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-41setting with binary commands . . . . . . . . . . 4-27

statuschecking with binary commands . . . . . . . . . 4-28checking with the yellow LED . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1

SXGA monitor outputexplained . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-23

synchronization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2synchronous timing 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7synchronous timing 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8synchronous/asynchronous timing . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7

Ttemperature

reading with binary commands . . . . . . . . . . 4-24temperature requirements

camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6

test imagecolor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-39explained . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-38gray scale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-39running line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-40setting with binary commands . . . . . . . . . . . 4-21white screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-40

timer 1explained . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5setting with binary commands . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12

timer 2explained . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5setting with binary commands . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12

timingasynchronous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7synchronous timing 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7synchronous timing 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8synchronous/asynchronous . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7

troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1troubleshooting chart

interfacing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5no image . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2poor quality image . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4RS-232 serial communication . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6

TTL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7, 4-20

Uuser sets

copying to the work set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-25explained . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-41

VVdrk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2vendor information

viewing with commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-22ventilation

camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6video data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13video data output mode(s)

explained . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16–2-19video data output modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16, 2-19video output format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2video output type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

Wweight

camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3work set

copying to a user set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-26explained . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-41relationship to the config tool . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3

write commanderror checking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9

BASLER A500k vii

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